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Relic Master #2
The Lost Heiress
When the Makers send for The Relic Master, he must follow and take Raffi with him. Meanwhile, Carys must unravel her past and unpick the fabric of her identity, ready-made by the Watch.
375 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 1999
30 people are currently reading
1027 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Fisher
64 books1,611 followersCatherine Fisher was born in Newport, Wales. She graduated from the University of Wales with a degree in English and a fascination for myth and history. She has worked in education and archaeology and as a lecturer in creative writing at the University of Glamorgan. She is a Fellow of the Welsh Academy.
Catherine is an acclaimed poet and novelist, regularly lecturing and giving readings to groups of all ages. She leads sessions for teachers and librarians and is an experienced broadcaster and adjudicator. She lives in Newport, Gwent.
Catherine has won many awards and much critical acclaim for her work. Her poetry has appeared in leading periodicals and anthologies and her volume Immrama won the WAC Young Writers' Prize. She won the Cardiff International Poetry Competition in 1990.
Her first novel, The Conjuror's Game, was shortlisted for the Smarties Books prize and The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Award. Equally acclaimed is her quartet The Book of the Crow, a classic of fantasy fiction.
The Oracle, the first volume in the Oracle trilogy, blends Egyptian and Greek elements of magic and adventure and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Books prize. The trilogy was an international bestseller and has appeared in over twenty languages. The Candleman won the Welsh Books Council's Tir Na n'Og Prize and Catherine was also shortlisted for the remarkable Corbenic, a modern re-inventing of the Grail legend.
Her futuristic novel Incarceron was published to widespread praise in 2007, winning the Mythopoeic Society of America's Children's Fiction Award and selected by The Times as its Children's Book of the Year. The sequel, Sapphique, was published in September 2008.
Catherine is an acclaimed poet and novelist, regularly lecturing and giving readings to groups of all ages. She leads sessions for teachers and librarians and is an experienced broadcaster and adjudicator. She lives in Newport, Gwent.
Catherine has won many awards and much critical acclaim for her work. Her poetry has appeared in leading periodicals and anthologies and her volume Immrama won the WAC Young Writers' Prize. She won the Cardiff International Poetry Competition in 1990.
Her first novel, The Conjuror's Game, was shortlisted for the Smarties Books prize and The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Award. Equally acclaimed is her quartet The Book of the Crow, a classic of fantasy fiction.
The Oracle, the first volume in the Oracle trilogy, blends Egyptian and Greek elements of magic and adventure and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Books prize. The trilogy was an international bestseller and has appeared in over twenty languages. The Candleman won the Welsh Books Council's Tir Na n'Og Prize and Catherine was also shortlisted for the remarkable Corbenic, a modern re-inventing of the Grail legend.
Her futuristic novel Incarceron was published to widespread praise in 2007, winning the Mythopoeic Society of America's Children's Fiction Award and selected by The Times as its Children's Book of the Year. The sequel, Sapphique, was published in September 2008.
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October 14, 2013Catherine Fisher really broke into the USA market with Incarceron and its sequel, Sapphique, which seems to have been her biggest hit in Britain, too. The USA publisher appears to have then trawled her back-catalogue for the most similar material and come up with this series. The obvious difference between these books and most of Fisher's output is that they fall more into the SF camp than the fantasy camp. They seem less old-fashioned than several of Fisher's fantasies do - mainly the ones that show the strongest Alan Garner influence.
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See the complete review here:
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March 11, 2016
I actually really enjoyed this one! I have not read the first one in the story so I had no clue about some of the things they were saying at first but the author did a great job of making it not really matter. The world and idea for the book was interesting to me and I really enjoyed the inner conflicts that arose in some of the characters...especially Carys- a girl who has been a part of the Watch for a long time but who struggles with the things they make people do and how they treat everyone who is brought to them, as children, to join their ranks. You never really know if she is going to turn traitor to The Relic Master or if she is going to help them on their continuing quest. Full of adventure and twists and turns...definitely a good fantasy read.
September 29, 2018
Extremely excellent and exciting. Love it
December 12, 2015
The Makers are relying on Galen and student Raffi. When Galen receives a message from them, about a lost heir to the throne of Anara, he and his apprentice know they must travel far and wide to find her. With the help of their cat-like friend the Sekoi, and their possible friend Carys, these two must attempt to bring some structure back to a world so torn apart.
Plot
I feel like the whole “find a member of the lost royal family to restore order” has been done a lot of times before. I wouldn’t find the general plot unique by any means. But I can admit that Fisher has managed to spin it into a great story of her own. I can’t think of any clichés that go with this type of plot, so it’s hard to say if it had any, but I don’t think it felt that way to me.
Writing
The writing was well done. I’d never really had a problem with it, even in the first book. Descriptions (or what little Fisher gives us) are done very well. Usually I have trouble picturing buildings and other structures, but I didn’t have any trouble in The Lost Heiress. I should mention that the writing is very smooth at time and you can zip through a hundred pages without even being aware of it.
Characters
Raffi, our protagonist, has his good moments, but for the most part he’s a bumbling fool who doesn’t learn from his mistakes. There are multiple times where he nearly gets himself and Galen killed. It’s no wonder Galen is constantly on his case. The rest of the character, Galen, the Sekoi, and Carys, I found myself liking a lot more in The Lost Heiress. Galen and Carys especially got a chance to showcase their talents here. The Sekoi was a character who captured my attention, and I wish to know more about it and it’s people’s lore’s and traditions.
Things I Liked
I loved the section that was only about Carys. In The Dark City I was irritated when the chapter would be one of her journal entries. And now I’d found myself craving for the next chapter that was about her. She’s become a much more fleshed out character and has become much more intriguing. I’d take her for a protagonist over Raffi any day.
Things I Didn't Like
The lack of descriptions is still an irritating part of this book. Yes, the reader does learn a little bit more about Anara as the story moves on, but it’s not enough. There are animals that are given no description, religious celebrations, like “Flainsnight”, that is never explained, and I’m still utterly confused as to what type of magic the keepers of the Order actually do. Is it like regular magic, or something else? Who knows? It sounds interesting, but even at the end of the second book the reader doesn’t know how magic in this world works!
Diversity
Carys is a girl who is much more competent than our actual protagonist, which is something you don’t see every day. Technically there is a genderless character: the Sekoi. That’s about it, sadly.
Overall
I liked The Lost Heiress a lot more than The Dark City. It’s still got its points where I’m a bit iffy on the series, but I don’t think the other two books will be a bore, if this book is any indication. I must warn that it’s a bit boring in the beginning, but things do eventually pick up. I’m very much eager to finish this series (this is meant in a good way).
Here is a link to my notes.
Plot
I feel like the whole “find a member of the lost royal family to restore order” has been done a lot of times before. I wouldn’t find the general plot unique by any means. But I can admit that Fisher has managed to spin it into a great story of her own. I can’t think of any clichés that go with this type of plot, so it’s hard to say if it had any, but I don’t think it felt that way to me.
Writing
The writing was well done. I’d never really had a problem with it, even in the first book. Descriptions (or what little Fisher gives us) are done very well. Usually I have trouble picturing buildings and other structures, but I didn’t have any trouble in The Lost Heiress. I should mention that the writing is very smooth at time and you can zip through a hundred pages without even being aware of it.
Characters
Raffi, our protagonist, has his good moments, but for the most part he’s a bumbling fool who doesn’t learn from his mistakes. There are multiple times where he nearly gets himself and Galen killed. It’s no wonder Galen is constantly on his case. The rest of the character, Galen, the Sekoi, and Carys, I found myself liking a lot more in The Lost Heiress. Galen and Carys especially got a chance to showcase their talents here. The Sekoi was a character who captured my attention, and I wish to know more about it and it’s people’s lore’s and traditions.
Things I Liked
I loved the section that was only about Carys. In The Dark City I was irritated when the chapter would be one of her journal entries. And now I’d found myself craving for the next chapter that was about her. She’s become a much more fleshed out character and has become much more intriguing. I’d take her for a protagonist over Raffi any day.
Things I Didn't Like
The lack of descriptions is still an irritating part of this book. Yes, the reader does learn a little bit more about Anara as the story moves on, but it’s not enough. There are animals that are given no description, religious celebrations, like “Flainsnight”, that is never explained, and I’m still utterly confused as to what type of magic the keepers of the Order actually do. Is it like regular magic, or something else? Who knows? It sounds interesting, but even at the end of the second book the reader doesn’t know how magic in this world works!
Diversity
Carys is a girl who is much more competent than our actual protagonist, which is something you don’t see every day. Technically there is a genderless character: the Sekoi. That’s about it, sadly.
Overall
I liked The Lost Heiress a lot more than The Dark City. It’s still got its points where I’m a bit iffy on the series, but I don’t think the other two books will be a bore, if this book is any indication. I must warn that it’s a bit boring in the beginning, but things do eventually pick up. I’m very much eager to finish this series (this is meant in a good way).
Here is a link to my notes.
July 11, 2013
The Lost Heiress, Catherine Fisher’s follow-up to The Dark City, picks up the action a short while after the close of the first book. Galen, Raffi, and the Sekoi have left the city of Tasceron behind, while Carys has returned to the Watch. The book opens with a bang when Raffi and the others steal back the blue box relic from Alberic, the dwarf thief-lord who had stolen it from them in book one. Some time after that, Carys informs them that the Watch has discovered that the Emperor — long ago deposed — has a living granddaughter. The story then splits in two. One half follows Galen, Raffi, and the Sekoi as they try to find the titular character, all while avoiding both the Watch and Alberic, who is hot on their trail seeking revenge. Meanwhile, Carys is posted to the Tower of Song, a center of Watch activity and recordkeeping, and once... Read More:
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October 16, 2018
Another fun read from Catherine Fisher. Similar to the first book in the series, this one features some really great settings and unique characters. I'm still piecing together a few things about the world, primarily the religion and significance of the moons, and the magic system is a little New Age-y for my tastes, but it's still a fun series. One thing I really appreciate about it is that the religion has a tangible effect on how the characters live their lives, Galen in particular. The last few chapters of the book especially painted a really beautiful picture of what I think my faith (Christianity, though I don't feel like it's meant to map on to that specifically) should look like, and I think that was exceptionally well done. I like seeing the difference between Raffi and Galen relative to how long they've been walking down their paths as well (for example, Raffi is more likely to get frightened despite one of the tenants of their religion being not to be afraid, or how much of their scriptures/litanies Galen has memorized vs. Raffi). I think that's a difficult thing to capture as well as to keep in mind through writing/editing, and Catherine Fisher did a great job with it.
I will say that compared to the last book, I was a little less impressed with the plot and with Carys' development. I felt I had a bit of a harder time tracking with her this time (especially in the last few chapters), and at times it didn't feel like there was a lot happening, even though there were events going on. There was a little less of a sense of urgency, I guess. Still excited to read the rest of the series though. Well done.
I will say that compared to the last book, I was a little less impressed with the plot and with Carys' development. I felt I had a bit of a harder time tracking with her this time (especially in the last few chapters), and at times it didn't feel like there was a lot happening, even though there were events going on. There was a little less of a sense of urgency, I guess. Still excited to read the rest of the series though. Well done.
May 31, 2020
Galen and Raffi have to find the Interex. But they do not even know what it is let alone how to find it. Galen realizes that the only place he will be able to get help is at the Artilin’s Well, if they can find it.
Meanwhile Cayrs, has been caught by a member of the Watch. Will she be forced to turn in Galen and Raffi??
I really enjoy these books. They are really short and packed full of action and awesome characters. These stories are so short and so packed full of stuff, they remind me of TV. Maybe something like 24 or The A Team. The story moves very quickly. You find out something new or important in every chapter. They are building towards a return of the makers. But as readers we have a fuller understanding about the makers than the characters do. We realize that when the makers come, there will be as much different response than the one the characters are hoping for.
I love the layers of this story. I love that every character is an unreliable narrator because they have clearly lost much technological and theoretical advancements. This society is clearly in a dark age or an age of intellectual decline. Yet their religion and their magic plays as very important roll in how each of the characters interact both with eachother and their world.
PG - violence
Meanwhile Cayrs, has been caught by a member of the Watch. Will she be forced to turn in Galen and Raffi??
I really enjoy these books. They are really short and packed full of action and awesome characters. These stories are so short and so packed full of stuff, they remind me of TV. Maybe something like 24 or The A Team. The story moves very quickly. You find out something new or important in every chapter. They are building towards a return of the makers. But as readers we have a fuller understanding about the makers than the characters do. We realize that when the makers come, there will be as much different response than the one the characters are hoping for.
I love the layers of this story. I love that every character is an unreliable narrator because they have clearly lost much technological and theoretical advancements. This society is clearly in a dark age or an age of intellectual decline. Yet their religion and their magic plays as very important roll in how each of the characters interact both with eachother and their world.
PG - violence
June 23, 2018
Sometimes you get tired of reading about unlikely heroes tasked to save the world and other times you find the story to be engaging enough that you don't mind it repeating a well-trod theme. This is one of those other times. Galen is a harsh man and no one knows this better than his student, Raffi. Yet they are destined to be a part of the change. Along their journey they continue to cross paths with Carys, a member of the Watch (a group that brought an end to the relic masters' way of life), a thief-lord and a Sekoi, furred humanoid. These unlikely allies either help or hinder them and those lines frequently blur. Action ... magic ... fantasy ... comedic pacing can be found at various points. This YA book was as enjoyable as the first in this series and has me looking forward to reading the next one.
June 12, 2017
I listened to the audio book and it entertained me. I give it 4.2 out of five stars.
I think most of my issues with this book (insufficient character background for the main character, rules of the magic system) might have been answered in the first book of the series, but this is the only book I've read in this world and by this author. I would revisit both of them again.
The pace was unrelenting which made it easy to get through the book in a short time.
This felt like a middle grade fantasy novel, and I can picture readers in that age group devouring the book with abandon. If that's your genre, pick this series up (start with the first book in hopes you won't face the same issues I did with the character and setting).
I think most of my issues with this book (insufficient character background for the main character, rules of the magic system) might have been answered in the first book of the series, but this is the only book I've read in this world and by this author. I would revisit both of them again.
The pace was unrelenting which made it easy to get through the book in a short time.
This felt like a middle grade fantasy novel, and I can picture readers in that age group devouring the book with abandon. If that's your genre, pick this series up (start with the first book in hopes you won't face the same issues I did with the character and setting).
February 19, 2023
Great Young Adult series. I thought I had the next book but I can’t find it!
Galen gets stronger in this book and also softens up a bit. I’ll just say that at the end, we see something similar to the ending of the first book. Really intriguing possibilities!
Good action, self-sacrifice, a bit too much mud and bugs for me 😬 but young people like that stuff. They continue to succeed , against all odds, in some but not all situations. Great relationship-building (is that even a thing?). The relationships mature 👍
Galen gets stronger in this book and also softens up a bit. I’ll just say that at the end, we see something similar to the ending of the first book. Really intriguing possibilities!
Good action, self-sacrifice, a bit too much mud and bugs for me 😬 but young people like that stuff. They continue to succeed , against all odds, in some but not all situations. Great relationship-building (is that even a thing?). The relationships mature 👍
November 9, 2016
This book far surpassed the first book in the series. With Carys's loyalty unsure of, Galen and Raffi must find the Interrex. The new queen of Anara. They need her so when the Makers coem she will be queen. There's one problem though, She is in a Watch house, training to become a Watchspy. Galen and Raffi rescue her and she believes them. Now they just have to defeat the Watch. I think that this book was well written. This is because it has many different aspects to the plot of the book.
May 11, 2022
An enjoyable follow-up, but mechanically it felt very similar to the first. Carys is the spunky warrior, way more fearsome and competent than her years would imply. Raffi is limited in what he can do, but does some very important things then faints directly afterwards. Galen is brooding and rude, but saves the day and shows great humanity at the end. The content pacing can be abrupt at times, but to an acceptable level for a YA audience.
May 22, 2018
Kinda forgettable. It didn't follow up the first book as well as I had hoped, but it could still get really good. I am interested in how the world came to be, and it seems like that could be revealed in later books. So I might stick with it.
December 29, 2020
This book is jampacked with thrilling adventure. The Story so far is good. The turnout of events and the pacif is good. The characters turned our ok. With their developments and their characteristics they are written well! I am hooked with it!
October 13, 2017
I loved it
November 16, 2018
OKAY 5/10 IGN
November 28, 2018
For the sake of Justin, I'm not going to review this book.
October 23, 2020
It was ok but again fisher lay off the drugs when your writing. Alot of the book made no sense at all cause she didnt explain anything.
November 6, 2020
Much better pacing than the first. Definitely going to continue with the series
April 28, 2022
Very entertaining!
September 26, 2023
sekoi my love <333333
October 10, 2024
The Lost Heiress has been found. On to book 3.
July 21, 2013
I can honestly say that this book wasn't worse than the first one in which I had issues with. Unfortunately, it wasn't any better either. This one I had issues as well but those ones I was more aware and overlooked them and saw what this book has to offer.
Galen and the Sekoi are great. They have their interesting personalities and are more likable than the kid Raffi. Sorry, I still hate this kid. He's so STUPID! He doesn't improve his technique and he just keeps making the same mistakes over and over again! I mean really? I can understand making mistakes and learning from them later on in the story. But with his kid, he does not do a very good job at learning. He is really slow and tries to do what he thinks is right and I guess that would be ok if it was done correctly.
The problem with Raffi and this book is that he is suppose to be your typical hero. A clumsy idiot who is nice and tries to do the right thing. Usually, I'm cool with that. But when you have the other characters try to get things done and they get frustrated because of a certain dumbass that is supposedly one of the main characters, it gets distracting. I don't sympathize or support Raffi. If he died or turned to the other side, I wouldn't care in the slightest. Not only is he an annoyance but he is BORING! This kid is so bland that I don't know why he's the main character! He's stupid, gets himself into trouble and gets other people into trouble, his abilities as a keeper are poor, he has little-to-no character, and has no impact in the book.
I'm sorry, but that's a serious flaw. I guess I would tolerate him a little more if one of two things happened. He either improves his skill or develop some type of power. Or, make him at least a little smarter. I'm not saying he should avoid making mistakes completely but at least allow him to think about his mistakes and have him avoid making more mistakes.
He screws up a lot in this book. He forgot to check his sense-lines (This is the second book, and I still have no idea what those are or how they work.) when he's suppose to. He leaves clues by accident that allow the Watch to discover that Relic Masters are nearby. He drinks from a fountain that is meant for Galen to drink, but he wants to prove them wrong and that he's worthy of being a Relic Master. And, big shock, he can't control the power.
See what I mean?
That's also brings up another question. How does that fountain work? Galen used it to save Raffi. Ok, but once Raffi is safe why doesn't he go back to find the lost heir? Does the fountain only work once for each keeper? It doesn't do a good job of explaining. Galen has to fast and pray in order to use it but once Dumbass Raffi over here takes a freaking sip, Galen has to go save his ass. Why he can't use it again, I have no clue.
Alberic, the dwarf thief-lord, is what saved this book. Thank you, Alberic! He's greedy, determined, selfish, and very cautious. He's not around much in most of the book but he shows up in the last fourth of the book and the parts with him are more interesting that the first half.
And speaking of which, let me tell you folks, the beginning is a snore fest. Luckily, a decent part of it is spent on Carys but nothing comes out of it besides her finding a relic. She doesn't learn anything, nothing about her heritage or about the Watch. She attempts to go to a library and find out more information but nothing comes out of it. She does get better in choosing whose side she wants to be on. Well gee, will she turn to the good side just to be Raffi's love interest? I sincerely hope not. That is lame and predicable and it should not happen! NO PREDICABILITY IS ALLOWED!!!
Book, if you are going to be predicable, then at least be entertaining.
Anyway, most of the book focuses on Galen, Raffi, and the Sekoi trying to find a fountain that will lead them to the lost grandchild of the Emperor. And the last fourth/fifth of the book is them finding the girl and bringing her with them to the sealed off area where the fountain to find the heiress was.
The title of the book and the summary indicate that the heir is a female heir. That's fine. But don't have the inside of the book have the characters clueless about the gender of the heir. That just insults the intelligence of the audience. We already know that the heir is a female. We're just waiting for Galen and Raffi to find her.
The girl is freaking cool. She has an attitude of a person of a royal family but she isn't overdone and I kind of like that. I can't wait to see her in the third one.
Maybe if the title and summary were neutral, there might be more suspense in the book when the heir is revealed as an heiress. I mean, hey, you have the Sekoi genderless, so why couldn't you leave the heir genderless? But that's just a nitpick for me. Overall, this book was ok. Just ok.
Galen and the Sekoi are great. They have their interesting personalities and are more likable than the kid Raffi. Sorry, I still hate this kid. He's so STUPID! He doesn't improve his technique and he just keeps making the same mistakes over and over again! I mean really? I can understand making mistakes and learning from them later on in the story. But with his kid, he does not do a very good job at learning. He is really slow and tries to do what he thinks is right and I guess that would be ok if it was done correctly.
The problem with Raffi and this book is that he is suppose to be your typical hero. A clumsy idiot who is nice and tries to do the right thing. Usually, I'm cool with that. But when you have the other characters try to get things done and they get frustrated because of a certain dumbass that is supposedly one of the main characters, it gets distracting. I don't sympathize or support Raffi. If he died or turned to the other side, I wouldn't care in the slightest. Not only is he an annoyance but he is BORING! This kid is so bland that I don't know why he's the main character! He's stupid, gets himself into trouble and gets other people into trouble, his abilities as a keeper are poor, he has little-to-no character, and has no impact in the book.
I'm sorry, but that's a serious flaw. I guess I would tolerate him a little more if one of two things happened. He either improves his skill or develop some type of power. Or, make him at least a little smarter. I'm not saying he should avoid making mistakes completely but at least allow him to think about his mistakes and have him avoid making more mistakes.
He screws up a lot in this book. He forgot to check his sense-lines (This is the second book, and I still have no idea what those are or how they work.) when he's suppose to. He leaves clues by accident that allow the Watch to discover that Relic Masters are nearby. He drinks from a fountain that is meant for Galen to drink, but he wants to prove them wrong and that he's worthy of being a Relic Master. And, big shock, he can't control the power.
See what I mean?
That's also brings up another question. How does that fountain work? Galen used it to save Raffi. Ok, but once Raffi is safe why doesn't he go back to find the lost heir? Does the fountain only work once for each keeper? It doesn't do a good job of explaining. Galen has to fast and pray in order to use it but once Dumbass Raffi over here takes a freaking sip, Galen has to go save his ass. Why he can't use it again, I have no clue.
Alberic, the dwarf thief-lord, is what saved this book. Thank you, Alberic! He's greedy, determined, selfish, and very cautious. He's not around much in most of the book but he shows up in the last fourth of the book and the parts with him are more interesting that the first half.
And speaking of which, let me tell you folks, the beginning is a snore fest. Luckily, a decent part of it is spent on Carys but nothing comes out of it besides her finding a relic. She doesn't learn anything, nothing about her heritage or about the Watch. She attempts to go to a library and find out more information but nothing comes out of it. She does get better in choosing whose side she wants to be on. Well gee, will she turn to the good side just to be Raffi's love interest? I sincerely hope not. That is lame and predicable and it should not happen! NO PREDICABILITY IS ALLOWED!!!
Book, if you are going to be predicable, then at least be entertaining.
Anyway, most of the book focuses on Galen, Raffi, and the Sekoi trying to find a fountain that will lead them to the lost grandchild of the Emperor. And the last fourth/fifth of the book is them finding the girl and bringing her with them to the sealed off area where the fountain to find the heiress was.
The title of the book and the summary indicate that the heir is a female heir. That's fine. But don't have the inside of the book have the characters clueless about the gender of the heir. That just insults the intelligence of the audience. We already know that the heir is a female. We're just waiting for Galen and Raffi to find her.
The girl is freaking cool. She has an attitude of a person of a royal family but she isn't overdone and I kind of like that. I can't wait to see her in the third one.
Maybe if the title and summary were neutral, there might be more suspense in the book when the heir is revealed as an heiress. I mean, hey, you have the Sekoi genderless, so why couldn't you leave the heir genderless? But that's just a nitpick for me. Overall, this book was ok. Just ok.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
Admiring😎🤩
August 10, 2011
(Originally posted @ CSI:Librarian.)
4.5 Stars - The Lost Heiress takes up where the story in The Dark City left off and was really just as enjoyable. The pacing, humor, double-crossing, darkness, and entertaining storyline kept me racing to the finish and feeling extremely satisfied once I was done. The world-building continued to impress me too. I really loved the passages in-between chapters presenting most of the history of the Makers, especially the sections about Kest and Flain. And I savored every new twist and discovery that the characters made together or independently of one another. Furthermore, I really appreciate that this series remains an adventurous quest that takes place in a dangerous dystopia where a lot is at stake and yet where no one --thus far-- is distracted by teenage angst or romance.
Raffi continues to be my favorite character. He just has so much to contend with and I like that although he is clearly capable and reliable, he still struggles to find his place and to be taken seriously. Galen has begun to show a much darker side now that he has become sort of possessed by a very ancient being. He is definitely the most complex and I am eager if a little worried to see what happens to him by the series finale. But regardless, I think it is really neat that one hand he is clearly wise and powerful, but on the other is he a very difficult mentor. I get a feeling that these two will never exactly have the sort of deep, affectionate bond that would probably really benefit both of them, but they do have an awesome working relationship. And I don't think Galen knows how to even be kind to himself let alone his scholar/apprentice.
Despite the whole using both sides against one another but really being on the side of angels thing which got old fast, Carys wasn't bad in this book. She's still not really a favorite of mine, but I like her dilemmas, I like her competence, and I like what motivates her. The Sekoi is still fascinating, and I really love all of his little interactions with Raffi. And his scary story-telling powers. Tallis and Felnia both made for interesting additions too, and I really, really loved the time they all spent in Sarres.
In conclusion, a terrific follow-up to a fantastic book. I did notice some awkward sentences and I loved The Dark City just slightly more, but I could not be happier with this series so far. Thank goodness it finally came out in the US!
4.5 Stars - The Lost Heiress takes up where the story in The Dark City left off and was really just as enjoyable. The pacing, humor, double-crossing, darkness, and entertaining storyline kept me racing to the finish and feeling extremely satisfied once I was done. The world-building continued to impress me too. I really loved the passages in-between chapters presenting most of the history of the Makers, especially the sections about Kest and Flain. And I savored every new twist and discovery that the characters made together or independently of one another. Furthermore, I really appreciate that this series remains an adventurous quest that takes place in a dangerous dystopia where a lot is at stake and yet where no one --thus far-- is distracted by teenage angst or romance.
Raffi continues to be my favorite character. He just has so much to contend with and I like that although he is clearly capable and reliable, he still struggles to find his place and to be taken seriously. Galen has begun to show a much darker side now that he has become sort of possessed by a very ancient being. He is definitely the most complex and I am eager if a little worried to see what happens to him by the series finale. But regardless, I think it is really neat that one hand he is clearly wise and powerful, but on the other is he a very difficult mentor. I get a feeling that these two will never exactly have the sort of deep, affectionate bond that would probably really benefit both of them, but they do have an awesome working relationship. And I don't think Galen knows how to even be kind to himself let alone his scholar/apprentice.
Despite the whole using both sides against one another but really being on the side of angels thing which got old fast, Carys wasn't bad in this book. She's still not really a favorite of mine, but I like her dilemmas, I like her competence, and I like what motivates her. The Sekoi is still fascinating, and I really love all of his little interactions with Raffi. And his scary story-telling powers. Tallis and Felnia both made for interesting additions too, and I really, really loved the time they all spent in Sarres.
In conclusion, a terrific follow-up to a fantastic book. I did notice some awkward sentences and I loved The Dark City just slightly more, but I could not be happier with this series so far. Thank goodness it finally came out in the US!
November 4, 2015
Review in portuguese by blog MON PETIT POISON
O livro dois praticamente começa do ponto onde o anterior parou, um ponto positivo, mas para aqueles que tem probleminhas de memória ou que demoram a pegar, ou melhor, relembrar situações em alguns livros, isso se torna algo bem complicado, visto que não há um resumão ou recapitulação de algumas ideias como é de praxe acontecer.
Apesar desta ter sido uma série que guardei bastante informações na memória, para acelerar as lembranças, tive de pegar a resenha do livro anterior e ver os pontos fortes e fracos da história e seus personagens, por isso, faça suas anotações/resenhas/resumos para caso isso aconteça você ter uma saída.
Eu gosto da série, mas ela tem alguma coisa que não me faz amá-la, a ideia é boa, mas as vezes acho que a autora está se perdendo dentro de algumas coisas que ela mesma levanta ao longo das páginas. Tem algumas situações boas e até diferentes do que a gente imagina no roteiro, mas ela dá pouca importância ou faz o fato ficar irrelevante, que nas próximas páginas a gente esquece e começa a se perguntar onde está a sacada da série, o seu diferencial.
Os personagens vão evoluindo aos poucos, tem muita história paralela, temos a história geral, aí um dos personagens tem um certo mistério e neste livro vimos um pouco do passado dele, mas também temos o aprendiz que está no meio de momentos difíceis e outras tramas vão se somando. Acho que tem um certo charme essa mistureba toda, mas quando fica confuso demais, ou o leitor passa a não conseguir acompanhar, acaba perdendo o interesse. Ainda não perdi o meu, mas em alguns momentos acabo achando que poderia ter tirado alguns desses extras e ter trabalhado em assuntos mais pertinentes.
A narrativa é boa, apesar desses momentos ‘enchendo linguiça’, acredito que a gente se mantenha porque por mais que tenha esse sentimento de enrolação, a gente quer saber mais do mundo e se lembra destes pequenos momentos de reviravolta dentro da história e aquelas teorias sobre o mundo que a autora criou e tanta mostrar aos poucos. Ela escreve bem e te prende, o que peca são esses momentos meia boca.
Como a história está muito fragmentada, não sei quantos livros podem ser, mas vendo o livro 1 e 2, imagino que o próximo terá um tema e a história irá se basear nele e alguns itens serão inseridos da história geral. Não recomendo ler fora de ordem, senão irá se perder, mas meu medo é que a história comece a se distanciar da ideia original.
http://www.monpetitpoison.com/2015/09...
O livro dois praticamente começa do ponto onde o anterior parou, um ponto positivo, mas para aqueles que tem probleminhas de memória ou que demoram a pegar, ou melhor, relembrar situações em alguns livros, isso se torna algo bem complicado, visto que não há um resumão ou recapitulação de algumas ideias como é de praxe acontecer.
Apesar desta ter sido uma série que guardei bastante informações na memória, para acelerar as lembranças, tive de pegar a resenha do livro anterior e ver os pontos fortes e fracos da história e seus personagens, por isso, faça suas anotações/resenhas/resumos para caso isso aconteça você ter uma saída.
Eu gosto da série, mas ela tem alguma coisa que não me faz amá-la, a ideia é boa, mas as vezes acho que a autora está se perdendo dentro de algumas coisas que ela mesma levanta ao longo das páginas. Tem algumas situações boas e até diferentes do que a gente imagina no roteiro, mas ela dá pouca importância ou faz o fato ficar irrelevante, que nas próximas páginas a gente esquece e começa a se perguntar onde está a sacada da série, o seu diferencial.
Os personagens vão evoluindo aos poucos, tem muita história paralela, temos a história geral, aí um dos personagens tem um certo mistério e neste livro vimos um pouco do passado dele, mas também temos o aprendiz que está no meio de momentos difíceis e outras tramas vão se somando. Acho que tem um certo charme essa mistureba toda, mas quando fica confuso demais, ou o leitor passa a não conseguir acompanhar, acaba perdendo o interesse. Ainda não perdi o meu, mas em alguns momentos acabo achando que poderia ter tirado alguns desses extras e ter trabalhado em assuntos mais pertinentes.
A narrativa é boa, apesar desses momentos ‘enchendo linguiça’, acredito que a gente se mantenha porque por mais que tenha esse sentimento de enrolação, a gente quer saber mais do mundo e se lembra destes pequenos momentos de reviravolta dentro da história e aquelas teorias sobre o mundo que a autora criou e tanta mostrar aos poucos. Ela escreve bem e te prende, o que peca são esses momentos meia boca.
Como a história está muito fragmentada, não sei quantos livros podem ser, mas vendo o livro 1 e 2, imagino que o próximo terá um tema e a história irá se basear nele e alguns itens serão inseridos da história geral. Não recomendo ler fora de ordem, senão irá se perder, mas meu medo é que a história comece a se distanciar da ideia original.
http://www.monpetitpoison.com/2015/09...
August 23, 2011
The Relic Master saga continues in The Lost Heiress.
You know, I wasn't really sure I wanted to read this book after I finished the first one in the series, The Dark City. Why? Well, it's a far cry from author Catherine Fisher's excellent Incarceron books. It's much easier and simpler than the others and, while a quick read, not that intriguing. So, why did I take the time to read the sequels? Well, they ended up getting the entire Relic Master series in at my local library, so I thought why not?
The Lost Heiress pretty much continues where Dark City left off -we've got Raffi the apprentice traveling with Galen the Relic Master, followed closely by a member of the Watch. And though she hates Relic Masters, she just might have a thing for Raffi. But this time around, there might be a hidden heiress to one of the nearby kingdoms and it's up to our heroes to find and protect her.
Basically, The Lost Heiress is more of Dark City. There's not really much more to it than that, which is a little disappointing. While I still had fun reading more about Raffi and the others, I felt like there really wasn't much here that was completely new to the series, nor was it all that exciting. Frankly, I'm wondering how this series can even continue for two more books -I feel like I've lost sight of what the overarching premise is and what the characters are trying to accomplish.
Not bad, but not great either. A decent library find.
You know, I wasn't really sure I wanted to read this book after I finished the first one in the series, The Dark City. Why? Well, it's a far cry from author Catherine Fisher's excellent Incarceron books. It's much easier and simpler than the others and, while a quick read, not that intriguing. So, why did I take the time to read the sequels? Well, they ended up getting the entire Relic Master series in at my local library, so I thought why not?
The Lost Heiress pretty much continues where Dark City left off -we've got Raffi the apprentice traveling with Galen the Relic Master, followed closely by a member of the Watch. And though she hates Relic Masters, she just might have a thing for Raffi. But this time around, there might be a hidden heiress to one of the nearby kingdoms and it's up to our heroes to find and protect her.
Basically, The Lost Heiress is more of Dark City. There's not really much more to it than that, which is a little disappointing. While I still had fun reading more about Raffi and the others, I felt like there really wasn't much here that was completely new to the series, nor was it all that exciting. Frankly, I'm wondering how this series can even continue for two more books -I feel like I've lost sight of what the overarching premise is and what the characters are trying to accomplish.
Not bad, but not great either. A decent library find.
September 2, 2011
4.5 stars
The Lost Heiress picked right back up where The Relic Master left off. Raffi, Galen, and Carys discover that there is hope for magic to return to their world. Hope in the form of their slain emperor's granddaughter. While Carys has zero choice but to return to her life as a Watcher, along the way discovering more about her life and where she came from, Raffi and Galen continue on with their quest to find their only hope, this heiress. Of course they're being chased the entire time.
The Lost Heiress is fast-paced, never a dull moment. I adore all characters, I adore the world, I adore the story.
My only gripe is this - I don't feel like I completely understand the inner-workings of this world, a world somewhat lacking with descriptions. However, what's great about this book series is that the plot is very strong, carrying me along, taking what I can get as far as the world is concerned. Does that even make sense?
I don't understand how the Relic Master series isn't wildly popular. It's a great YA series, probably one of the best I've come across recently. Yes, I do realize this series was published in the 90's, but only recently has made its journey to the States. If you're in the market for a YA series brimming with quests, definitely check out The Relic Master.
The Lost Heiress picked right back up where The Relic Master left off. Raffi, Galen, and Carys discover that there is hope for magic to return to their world. Hope in the form of their slain emperor's granddaughter. While Carys has zero choice but to return to her life as a Watcher, along the way discovering more about her life and where she came from, Raffi and Galen continue on with their quest to find their only hope, this heiress. Of course they're being chased the entire time.
The Lost Heiress is fast-paced, never a dull moment. I adore all characters, I adore the world, I adore the story.
My only gripe is this - I don't feel like I completely understand the inner-workings of this world, a world somewhat lacking with descriptions. However, what's great about this book series is that the plot is very strong, carrying me along, taking what I can get as far as the world is concerned. Does that even make sense?
I don't understand how the Relic Master series isn't wildly popular. It's a great YA series, probably one of the best I've come across recently. Yes, I do realize this series was published in the 90's, but only recently has made its journey to the States. If you're in the market for a YA series brimming with quests, definitely check out The Relic Master.
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