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Daughter of Exile
Fourteen years ago Lord Challo Hashan was exiled from court, and his daughter Angarred grew up wild and unschooled. But when her father is killed, she has to go to court to demand justice for him, unsure who there is her friend and who an enemy. What is the magician, Mathewar, hiding? What about Lord Snoppish, a man her father hated? When war breaks out, she has to decide whose side she is on.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 31, 2008
This was a random book I grabbed on my way through the library. And I'm glad I did. It was slow at first, but kept building up to a beautiful and rather surprising ending. Not all characters are good, and not all good characters end up happy. Such is life, and such is this book. Worth a casual read.
April 18, 2013
My full review is here: http://diamondlovestoread.blogspot.co...
This book was a strong fantasy novel, with danger and suspense--and bits of romance weaved through. We follow Angarred, the "daughter of exile" from her home where she has lived in exile her entire life, with her father. She lives far from the city of her birth--Pergodi. And we travel with her on her journey through the country, to Pergodi, and in between. It's not so much where she goes-- as what she learns while she travels. Whether it's Pergodi or the royal court-things and people are not what they seem. angarred wants to get to the bottom of things-- after all her life is in danger!
I don't want to reveal too much because it could spoil it for you. I really loved this book. I can't say it enough. The love Angarred felt for Mathewar was slow to grow and even slower to be realized. There was sadness and political turmoil, but the mystery that surrounded the lands kept unfolding, and even in my wildest guesses I didn't know which turns it would take.
The strength and likability of the characters was so significant that I fell in love with the world Isabel Glass created. There is a second novel, (interesting to see 2 novels instead of the now-typical trilogy or series), which I plan on reading. I already got it from the library.
If you like fantasy, but want a world that is different from all those generic Narnias/LOTR/wonderland-- pick up this book. It's flavor didn't remind me of anything I've read before. And that is something in itself.
I thought the writing was, well, perfect. How can that be? The writing was perfect because I forgot I was reading. I actually felt I was living the story with Angarred. I'd pick up the book and forget there even was a narrator to this story, a woman who wrote this book. I would think, "what's going on with Mathewar?" I kept thinking of the book, fighting with myself to slow down so it wouldn't end. This has not happened in a very long time for me. The amount of joy I get from reading a book that so well can push the story out on the forefront, and leaves all the stylistic/word-choices in the background--enough so that it fits how it should: the story being most important. So yeah, the writing was seamless.
I remember being a little skeptical as to how all these elements could fit in I've read a lot of fantasy that has "everything" simply to say they have "everything"-- you know? This book incorporated magicians, magic stones, giants, and human-animal transformations very flawlessly. All these things felt necessary to the story. They all had great purpose, great meaning. And the meaning didn't have to be told to the reader (the giants are significant because...) no-- instead I knew why things were important.
The author quickly fills the reader in on the world, without the typical introduction chapters that explain how everything works. There wasn't any of that, if there was more in the beginning it felt natural. I sometimes feel in fantasy that the authors rush to fill the reader in so the story can begin. In this case, the story began immediately but the reader picked things up as the story moved forward. It was explained in a way I could understand, and also didn't take away or pause the storytelling to do so.
For example, there was something called "Sattery;" which turned out to be the equivalent of opium or heroin in a liquid. Well we figure this out quickly, but there is ever a direct mention "this is an opiate" or whatever. The effects were described, and slowly more information about it was revealed-- but I always felt "in the loop"
This book was amazing. I can't wait to read the sequel. But I'm sad that the story will end. I feel like I'm best friends with Angarred, and in love with Mathewar *swoon* I can't wait to join them in the rest of their journey.
This book was a strong fantasy novel, with danger and suspense--and bits of romance weaved through. We follow Angarred, the "daughter of exile" from her home where she has lived in exile her entire life, with her father. She lives far from the city of her birth--Pergodi. And we travel with her on her journey through the country, to Pergodi, and in between. It's not so much where she goes-- as what she learns while she travels. Whether it's Pergodi or the royal court-things and people are not what they seem. angarred wants to get to the bottom of things-- after all her life is in danger!
I don't want to reveal too much because it could spoil it for you. I really loved this book. I can't say it enough. The love Angarred felt for Mathewar was slow to grow and even slower to be realized. There was sadness and political turmoil, but the mystery that surrounded the lands kept unfolding, and even in my wildest guesses I didn't know which turns it would take.
The strength and likability of the characters was so significant that I fell in love with the world Isabel Glass created. There is a second novel, (interesting to see 2 novels instead of the now-typical trilogy or series), which I plan on reading. I already got it from the library.
If you like fantasy, but want a world that is different from all those generic Narnias/LOTR/wonderland-- pick up this book. It's flavor didn't remind me of anything I've read before. And that is something in itself.
I thought the writing was, well, perfect. How can that be? The writing was perfect because I forgot I was reading. I actually felt I was living the story with Angarred. I'd pick up the book and forget there even was a narrator to this story, a woman who wrote this book. I would think, "what's going on with Mathewar?" I kept thinking of the book, fighting with myself to slow down so it wouldn't end. This has not happened in a very long time for me. The amount of joy I get from reading a book that so well can push the story out on the forefront, and leaves all the stylistic/word-choices in the background--enough so that it fits how it should: the story being most important. So yeah, the writing was seamless.
I remember being a little skeptical as to how all these elements could fit in I've read a lot of fantasy that has "everything" simply to say they have "everything"-- you know? This book incorporated magicians, magic stones, giants, and human-animal transformations very flawlessly. All these things felt necessary to the story. They all had great purpose, great meaning. And the meaning didn't have to be told to the reader (the giants are significant because...) no-- instead I knew why things were important.
The author quickly fills the reader in on the world, without the typical introduction chapters that explain how everything works. There wasn't any of that, if there was more in the beginning it felt natural. I sometimes feel in fantasy that the authors rush to fill the reader in so the story can begin. In this case, the story began immediately but the reader picked things up as the story moved forward. It was explained in a way I could understand, and also didn't take away or pause the storytelling to do so.
For example, there was something called "Sattery;" which turned out to be the equivalent of opium or heroin in a liquid. Well we figure this out quickly, but there is ever a direct mention "this is an opiate" or whatever. The effects were described, and slowly more information about it was revealed-- but I always felt "in the loop"
This book was amazing. I can't wait to read the sequel. But I'm sad that the story will end. I feel like I'm best friends with Angarred, and in love with Mathewar *swoon* I can't wait to join them in the rest of their journey.
September 8, 2012
3.5 stars.
This book sounded great and I was in the mood for some whimsical fantasy.
I’ve heard this book being compared to Patricia A. McKillip and I can see where other readers are coming from. The tone and mood the book is written in is quite similar to the sort of dreamy gloss the McKillip’s have, and the plot is fairly original and comes together nicely, but it doesn’t really have the same scope and depth as her writing does.
McKillip’s writing is beautiful; lyrical, evocative, and filled to the brim with underlying layers. I don’t hold that against Glass though because it’ll be hard for any author to emulate her style. Yet what really draws me in to McKillip’s works are her finely drawn characters which have expressive emotions I can really connect to – this book? Not so much. I always had this detachment and measure of distance from them which prevented me from loving the book.
I think another major problem is that there are some awkward pov character switches which happen without smooth transition so it’s very jarring and difficult to get back into the flow of things. I know it was done to bring small pieces of the plot together into one firm ending without being too obvious about it but I often felt at times if the other povs could have been eliminated altogether. This doesn’t help the pacing which really doesn’t pick up until the last half or third of the book.
Angarred and Mathewar are likable characters and I enjoyed them for the most part. Angarred, determined to find out who killed her father but then becoming drawn into a larger conspiracy then she ever expected and Mathewar is the fallen magician who seeks to withdraw from the world and his magic and wallow in his sorrows.
Overall, it’s a decent read and might be a good pick for someone who isn't into the whole epic fantasy end of things.
This book sounded great and I was in the mood for some whimsical fantasy.
I’ve heard this book being compared to Patricia A. McKillip and I can see where other readers are coming from. The tone and mood the book is written in is quite similar to the sort of dreamy gloss the McKillip’s have, and the plot is fairly original and comes together nicely, but it doesn’t really have the same scope and depth as her writing does.
McKillip’s writing is beautiful; lyrical, evocative, and filled to the brim with underlying layers. I don’t hold that against Glass though because it’ll be hard for any author to emulate her style. Yet what really draws me in to McKillip’s works are her finely drawn characters which have expressive emotions I can really connect to – this book? Not so much. I always had this detachment and measure of distance from them which prevented me from loving the book.
I think another major problem is that there are some awkward pov character switches which happen without smooth transition so it’s very jarring and difficult to get back into the flow of things. I know it was done to bring small pieces of the plot together into one firm ending without being too obvious about it but I often felt at times if the other povs could have been eliminated altogether. This doesn’t help the pacing which really doesn’t pick up until the last half or third of the book.
Angarred and Mathewar are likable characters and I enjoyed them for the most part. Angarred, determined to find out who killed her father but then becoming drawn into a larger conspiracy then she ever expected and Mathewar is the fallen magician who seeks to withdraw from the world and his magic and wallow in his sorrows.
Overall, it’s a decent read and might be a good pick for someone who isn't into the whole epic fantasy end of things.
February 14, 2014
I think "romantic fantasy" is a good tag to put on this book. It was light, sweet, relatively cliche - but in a charming sort of way. The pacing was a little bit wonky, a few of the plot points were pretty weak, and I don't think the characters were all that deep, but I honestly enjoyed it as a whole. The world itself was interesting, even if its details weren't delved into too much, and the basic story was intriguing. It was pretty dramatic, with many a plot twist. I feel like, if Lifetime were to tackle a fantasy (and did it well), it would be something akin to this.
I would recommend this for a casual read or to anyone who wants to get into fantasy, but wants something simple to start with. I feel like I would have adored this book if I was in the YA range.
A point I feel is worth mentioning: Angarred was a pretty awesome female lead. She was strong-willed, intelligent, wasn't afraid to fight for what she wanted, and didn't panic when it really mattered. However, the fact that her one desire becomes "power" in court put me off a bit; and when it comes to the few points where her romantic feelings are addressed, she becomes this immature, jealous child which put me off quite a bit more. That's the feminist in me talking, but I can't let that make me not like her.
I plan to continue on to The Divided Crown. Like I said, there is a certain charm that makes me want to keep reading to see what happens next.
I would recommend this for a casual read or to anyone who wants to get into fantasy, but wants something simple to start with. I feel like I would have adored this book if I was in the YA range.
A point I feel is worth mentioning: Angarred was a pretty awesome female lead. She was strong-willed, intelligent, wasn't afraid to fight for what she wanted, and didn't panic when it really mattered. However, the fact that her one desire becomes "power" in court put me off a bit; and when it comes to the few points where her romantic feelings are addressed, she becomes this immature, jealous child which put me off quite a bit more. That's the feminist in me talking, but I can't let that make me not like her.
I plan to continue on to The Divided Crown. Like I said, there is a certain charm that makes me want to keep reading to see what happens next.
August 10, 2010
This is the story of a girl.
This is a story about realizing that no one is who you think they are, that people aren't always purely good or purely bad, that power corrupts and that adulthood is a kind of exile.
This is the story of a girl becoming a woman, because she leaves home to seek justice.
This book made me want to read more Patricia McKillip.
It was mildly interesting, and in a setting that could perhaps have been McKillips, but without the *magic.* The unexpected and wondrous that's always around the corner in McKillip's language. The ravishing language. The profound compassion.
McKillip would have done something amazing with the Others. Here, they are merely a deus ex machina of sorts, and we never learn anything fascinating about them.
This is the story of a girl who becomes a woman, with a beautiful cover and expensive-feeling paperstock, with graceful writing, and gentle wit, but without wonder.
This is a story about realizing that no one is who you think they are, that people aren't always purely good or purely bad, that power corrupts and that adulthood is a kind of exile.
This is the story of a girl becoming a woman, because she leaves home to seek justice.
This book made me want to read more Patricia McKillip.
It was mildly interesting, and in a setting that could perhaps have been McKillips, but without the *magic.* The unexpected and wondrous that's always around the corner in McKillip's language. The ravishing language. The profound compassion.
McKillip would have done something amazing with the Others. Here, they are merely a deus ex machina of sorts, and we never learn anything fascinating about them.
This is the story of a girl who becomes a woman, with a beautiful cover and expensive-feeling paperstock, with graceful writing, and gentle wit, but without wonder.
September 4, 2011
This was a fairly slow read for me. While there was action and intrigue in the story, somehow it just didn't capture my attention. The main character, Angarrad, did not inspire me to feel sorry for her in any way, despite the misfortunes that befall her; and while I figured out who the 'hidden antagonist' was ahead of time, when it was finally revealed, it wasn't especially climactic, and there was only a sense of "well, I was right about that one".
Overall: I didn't dislike it, but wasn't thrilled. This one will be going to my 'donate' pile of books in the hopes that someone else at the library will like it better than I did.
Overall: I didn't dislike it, but wasn't thrilled. This one will be going to my 'donate' pile of books in the hopes that someone else at the library will like it better than I did.
February 9, 2012
This book has a really pretty cover, and the characters have pretty cool names. Other than that, the story is pretty shallow and you will figure out what is going on about a third of the way into the book and have to spend the rest waiting for the characters to finish flailing around and figure it out, too.
July 6, 2007
This is terrific romantic fantasy, recommended for fans of Patricia McKillip. A young girl seeking justice for her father's murder becomes embroiled in court politics, family secrets, and magic. I love Angarred's "fish out of water" adventures!
February 28, 2013
This was a great book, and I read it in almost one day (and I'm usually a slow reader). It was exciting and a intriguing story. The sequel came in the mail and I read it in a matter of hours. I might be a fan of Mathewar and Angarred for life.
February 9, 2011
Stereotypical cliche "historical romance."
April 22, 2020
In the first few pages we are introduced to Angarred, her father Challo Hashan and Mathewar. The names alone make me feel frustrated. I personally do not like when every character has a weird name.
Usually the first few pages is the spot where you get a taste of the main characters personality and turns out Angarred doesn’t have one yet. Maybe she will find one along the way. I have no idea what country this is in but there are a few names of countries (I think) thrown around like I’m suppose to know.
Angarred overhears the group of misfits (not the good kind) telling her father the Stone is stolen and it takes a year for Hashbrown to find out about it. But it is something he is interested in. And instead of taking this moment to lay some foundation for why this Stone is important and bring it to the forefront, Angarred just walks away. Really? I’d probably stick around to hear more about this supposedly magic Stone that may or may not have caused most of the wizards to disappear.
And before I can complain about Hashbrown he is shot with an arrow while out hunting. And the crowning moment is when Ang wonders as she kneels beside her fatally wounded father is “will he finally notice me”. Wft. No concern just absolutely nothing but me me me. And when Matt asks her who her fathers enemies may be and why he was exiled from court she claims SHE NEVER CARED AND DIDN’T PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT HER FATHER SAID. Shortly after she recognizes that she is a stupid child and I can’t agree more.
I read this book years ago, probably around middle school age, and I have maintained some good feelings towards it even though I had forgotten the plot. And now trying to read it years later and more books under my belt, I can’t get past the first few chapters. Happily DNF. Maybe I’ll try again someday....if all of my books burn in a fire.... and the library is closed....maybe.
Usually the first few pages is the spot where you get a taste of the main characters personality and turns out Angarred doesn’t have one yet. Maybe she will find one along the way. I have no idea what country this is in but there are a few names of countries (I think) thrown around like I’m suppose to know.
Angarred overhears the group of misfits (not the good kind) telling her father the Stone is stolen and it takes a year for Hashbrown to find out about it. But it is something he is interested in. And instead of taking this moment to lay some foundation for why this Stone is important and bring it to the forefront, Angarred just walks away. Really? I’d probably stick around to hear more about this supposedly magic Stone that may or may not have caused most of the wizards to disappear.
And before I can complain about Hashbrown he is shot with an arrow while out hunting. And the crowning moment is when Ang wonders as she kneels beside her fatally wounded father is “will he finally notice me”. Wft. No concern just absolutely nothing but me me me. And when Matt asks her who her fathers enemies may be and why he was exiled from court she claims SHE NEVER CARED AND DIDN’T PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT HER FATHER SAID. Shortly after she recognizes that she is a stupid child and I can’t agree more.
I read this book years ago, probably around middle school age, and I have maintained some good feelings towards it even though I had forgotten the plot. And now trying to read it years later and more books under my belt, I can’t get past the first few chapters. Happily DNF. Maybe I’ll try again someday....if all of my books burn in a fire.... and the library is closed....maybe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2019
Wow! This was an exceptionally good story, gripping from start to finish. The author's first, I had only one gripe with it, that she was telegraphing a certain thing (no spoilers!) then had the heroine unable to think of that thing. I will be looking for others by this author.
May 12, 2018
I think I picked this up on the strength of the cover art, which is by the same artist that used to do McKillip's novels. It was okay, nothing in the same league as McKillip.
June 4, 2018
Read this forever ago in high school, not really memorable.
May 21, 2020
Raised in political exile from court, a young noblewoman returns to solve her father’s assassination, and is charged with the mission of restoring women’s magic to the ailing land.
October 12, 2012
I think I may have misunderstood the description “literary fantasy.” I assumed that Daughter of Exile by Isabel Glass was going to be a fantasy novel that pushed the genre, playing with image and theme in ways that you don’t usually find in epic fantasy, piling on those multiple levels of meaning that my English Lit professors loved to torture us with, and generally blending fantasy with the best elements of “literature.” I thought it would be an imaginative, evocative twist on the genre, pulling pieces into a cohesive whole that really means something.
Apparently, I was wrong.
Complete Review: http://www.paperdroids.com/2012/10/11...
Apparently, I was wrong.
Complete Review: http://www.paperdroids.com/2012/10/11...
August 20, 2010
Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy. I really tried, but I couldn't force myself to finish this one. The premise was good, but the plot meandered too much. Too little time was spent on some really interesting characters in favor of others who were too shallow and/or irritating. Try Patricia McKillip, Sheri Tepper, or Garth Nix for similar themes with tight storylines, solid characters, and exceptional writing.
February 29, 2016
Well this was really good. A bit slow-paced, with some things that didn't seem necessary to write about (unexplained subplots and mysterious bits), but overall it was a lot of fun to read. The world really came into its own and there was actual character development which is GREAT.
April 26, 2008
Random, very good book I foud in the library. Pick this one if you like fantasy.
July 30, 2010
Perhaps a worthwhile entry point for someone who has never read any fantasy, but slow, predictable, and a bit "deus ex machina" for anyone who's already been around that block.
September 29, 2011
Just a really long and drawn out story. It was interesting in the beginning, but just lost my interest after a while. In the end, I kept reading just to get it over with.
October 5, 2011
The story was interesting as were the characters. However I found the pacing to be a bit off in places.
June 2, 2012
As many other reviewers have noted, this is similar in style to Patricia McKillip, which is why I wasn't terribly engaged or interested while reading it.
August 15, 2012
I bought this for the cover since it looks pretty interesting. Never finished the book though.
October 10, 2013
The characters were flat and a lot of dialogue felt forced.
January 11, 2009
A fun read
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews