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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Impossible to put down!, 12 Jun 2003
This superb book was recommended to me by a friend online and I haven't regretted one penny I spent on it.The storyline is unusual, given that the readers already know the main twist of the story which is given within the first few chapters - that the 'hero is really a 'heroine'. Rather than detracting from the suspense and climax of the book, the fact that the audience knows the truth while the heroine herself doesn't, keeps you glued to each page, desperate to discover what happens next and if her secret will be discovered. A beautifully rich cast of supporting characters all of whom are believable and well-rounded, work together to make this book one of the best I've read in years, on par with Robin Hobb and the excellent 'Dark Materials' trilogy of Phillip Pullman. The supernatural element of the book is not only refreshingly original, it adds to the 'fantasy' world which is created marvellously through various magics, mythical creatures and gods. One negative thing I could mention is that the intriguing Aurenfaie remain background characters and I would love to see them explored more, which hopefully will be done in the sequel. As for the typos and errors mentioned by an earlier reviewer, I seriously wonder if we were reading the same book as I didn't come across any, or maybe the story was so engrossing I didn't notice. A brilliant, fascinatingly refreshing book which will almost certainly become one of the 'greats' of fantasy. I recommend it strongly to all readers of fantasy and the supernatural and I for one am counting the days down to the publication of the sequel.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Recommended!, 9 Feb 2003
If you are looking for an excellent fantasy with an original yet sinister twist then you have most definitely found it! The history and legends that haunt the country, Skala, are vividly sketched out which helps the terrifiying actions of the characters involved become not only believable but understandable. I particularly loved the spirit child named 'brother' who haunts the young prince Tobin as he struggles to live a normal life after the spellcasting that has been placed upon him at birth gives rise to supernatural and tragic occurences. The book contains all the familiar and loved features of fantasy; powerful mages, evil kings, dark spells & high adventure etc, but uses them in such a refreshing and dark way that you are literally gripped to your seat reading it. After staying up all night I couldn't bear to go to work and not finish it - so I was sadly forced to pull a sickie instead! (moral: be warned and read it at a weekend and not during your tea break!) If you buy this you will not be disappointed whether your preference is for traditional fantasy or for more alternative views on the genre...
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
the power of fate, 23 Feb 2003
Fate has an important role in this story about the first years of a future hero --who is, in fact, a heroine-- and the ever-present ghost of his twin brother. We see the life of Tobin from the beginning until he (she) realizes who he (she) really is. The tension is built to have its climax in the moment of final discovery, where the novel ends. Even though we witness the secret event and know the truth from the beginning, the author manages to have us thrilled and turning pages at a fast pace to learn HOW what-we-know is going to happen. I also loved the no-nonsense use of magic, always logical and justified, and the role that the "old religion", the Goddess religion which has almost disappeared, has in the story.There is also love,fear, friendship, loyalty and adventure. I simply loved this novel and will read everything that I find by the same author.
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