Darkhaven by A F E Smith
Just finished reading Darkhaven and what a very enjoyable start to series this is. (at least I think or hope it’s a series?)
We start off with Ayla escaping from captivity with the help of her brother Myrren. From there we learn that Darkhaven is ruled by the Nightshades, people with the ability to shapeshift, known as Changers. The ruler of Darkhaven, Florentyne, is a Firedrake, the other forms taken by the purebloods are Griffin, Phoenix, Hydra or Unicorn. Florentyne is not a man to be messed with, ruthless and dark, he will stop at nothing to ensure the continuation of the Nightshade line. Unfortunately his son and heir, a trueblood, has manifested no ability to shift. His daughter however, born to a regular human during a second marriage can shift but not in a pure form. Ayla is not popular, not with her father, or the Helm, the body of training guards who are sworn to protect the Nightshades.
Florentyne has made the decision to disinherit his son and place Ayla as his heir. Of course, she’s got something to say about that and consequently her father places her into captivity. And, that brings us back to the start of the story with Ayla’s escape and the beginning of all the trouble as on the same night her father is murdered – by a charger. Ayla is the only other charger so she’s the number one suspect. From here we have a situation where Alya, having escaped to one of the lower rings of the city and secured the help of a former guard, now needs to clear her name. Meanwhile Myrren, also convinced of his sister’s innocence is also looking for evidence to prove her innocence assisted by a priestess who has been attacked by this murdering charger and may have additional information. Now, what makes this tricky is that the Helm are convinced of Ayla’s guilt, they’re not really too bothered about evidence, and they’re also looking for her.
I’m not going to go on about the world building because we only really see Darkhaven – which is dark – with good reason. The City is split into rings, all planned as means of defence in times of siege. I have no real idea about the shifters history, why they’re in control – I mean, obviously there used to be more of them, a lot more, and in their charger form they’re almost entirely invincible – almost, entirely! For some reason, there are a lot, lot less now – again, at this point, not sure why – and I’m not sure that it matters to the story to be honest. Although it does lead to some rather nasty realisations about what exactly needs to take place to ensure the survival of the remaining shifters – yeah!
Characters. Ayla and Myrren are the Nightshades. They are assisted by Tomas, former Helm guard who is now living in disgrace, and Serenna, the Priestess who is assisting Myrren. We also follow the course of one of the helm guards who has his own personal mission and a secret character who has a protector – an assassin/sellsword called Sorrow.
The action and the story are pretty gripping. I think the author manages to keep the tension concerning the actual identify of the murderer in debate for a large portion of the story. I had my own thoughts on where the story was going but admit that the story was written in a way to keep more than one possibility alive and kicking.
In terms of criticisms. Well, Alya was one of my first thoughts in that respect. I don’t dislike her as a character particularly, but, I’m puzzled. She has the ability to change into this really cool creature and yet she spends the majority of the book either shut in a room hiding or being taken captive or just running away. She really doesn’t have much about her in that respect. She changes into her other form only twice in the book and never to actually evade capture or protect herself. I was just puzzled by her really. She seems to have no real chance of looking after herself at all. Merryn on the other hand has no shifting ability but he’s clever, quick witted and greatly skilled with a blade. Then we have Sorrow – an infamous assassin and sellsword – who frankly falls at the first hurdle!
I didn’t feel like we had enough time seeing or finding out about the shifters or seeing their other forms – but then this is the first book so there is room for more exploration. And, I felt the relationships – and the ending – were a tad rushed not to mention bittersweet.
And yet, in spite of my criticisms this was a very engaging read that I really enjoyed and it ended on a perfect set up for the next book.
I received a copy of this from the publisher through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
‘Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as father and son…’
I had to go there – I just couldn’t help it!
This week at the Fantasy Review Barn we will once again be Tough Travelling. Our topic this week: FATHERS
Comes in two types in fantasyland. Either a semi-mystical figure proving impossible to live up to or the overbearing type who doesn’t understand why his daughter doesn’t accept the traditional princess role. He may be tough to get along with but usually does think he has his kids interests in mind.
Age of Iron by Angus Watson – I loved this book and talk about your overbearing father! Difficult to give up too much information without – well, giving up too much information – but, the young girl Spring has a very demanding father – to say the least.
Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton – in this book Apollo, who has taken human form – becomes father to a number of children. I wouldn’t call him overbearing, in fact he seems like a rather nice father figure – but it’s a lot of living up to do – he’s a God!
Darkhaven by A F E Smith – in which the Nightshade family rule. Ayla and her brother Myrren are a great disappointment to their father, the ruler of Darkhaven. The Nightshade family are changers – changers basically have the gift of shapeshifting – unfortunately Ayla’s heritage is mixed blood and therefore she shifts into a form that is considered impure and her brother cannot change at all! Their father is not pleased!! He doesn’t take disappointment well.
The Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence – this book doesn’t really need an introduction! Prince Jorg is a piece of work – but his father the King takes it to a whole new level of bad.
The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman – Talk about demanding fathers. Coralie’s father runs a museum of curiosities – and he sets his daughter up as a mermaid. She spends most of the day in a tank of water while people stare at her! Not a spoiler – she’s not a mermaid!
And, finally, in case there was any doubt that I would include Lord of the Rings : I give you Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, who having lost one son in battle sends his remaining son to almost certain death
Faramir: ‘You wish now that our places had been exchanged… that I had died and Boromir had lived.’
Denethor: ‘Yes.’
Really, couldn’t you just slap him!
The Philosopher Kings by Jo Walton
24 June 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Jo Walton, The Just City, the Philosopher Kings
The Philosopher Kings is the second in the trilogy by Jo Walton which got off to a fantastic start with The Just City. Before I even start to review this I’m just going to point out that I don’t think this book would work as well read in seclusion – I really do think you would need to read Just City first just to have some understanding of the relationships at play.
The Philosopher Kings starts about 20 years later than the Just City where Apollo, still living as a mortal named Pythias, is now married to Simmea. The City, founded by Athene as a social experiment based on Plato’s Republic has, since the ‘great debate’ that concluded the last book, split into 5 cities. Unfortunately there are occasionally skirmishes between the cities – particularly in relation to where all the great works of art are housed. (I’m just going to mention that there is a slight spoiler ahead – but one that I think is necessary to the review). As a result of one of the latest conflicts Simmea is killed whilst trying to prevent yet more theft and this becomes the catalyst for the whole story.
Apollo, is consumed with remorse. He doesn’t know how to continue his mortal existence without Simmea by his side to explain the little idiosyncrasies of human life – I must confess I was touched by how completely Apollo seemed to have loved Apollo and also for the intense grief he suffers after she dies. At first I was a little surprised that Simmea had gone – she played such a pivotal role in the Just City that I thought I would really feel lost without her but instead her daughter Arete fills the void quite admirably.
I’m not going to really go into the plot too much other than to say it involves Apollo and Arete, along with a few others embarking on a voyage. This starts out as a mission of revenge but culminates in revelations and self discovery.
Obviously we meet up with characters from the first novel but added to that are the inclusion of some of the younger characters who are just becoming a certain age. All Apollo’s children are aware of his true identity and they’ve also been given to understand that they are different as a result of being his offspring – stands to reason really! Some of them have heroic souls and should they choose to could gain ‘godlike’ status. I enjoyed looking at this element of the story, it had a coming of age feel to it and was a honest look at the differences that naturally occur between siblings and the rivalry or jealousy they sometimes provoke.
Again, I really enjoyed this, maybe not quite as much as the first book – but perhaps that’s because the first book also had the novelty factor, plus Ioved reading about the City being established. This is though, without doubt another thought provoking feast with lots to mull over. There’s the whole issue of just how far people will go to have something which they desire, and in doing so making human life so cheap. On the other hand there’s how far people will go to achieve revenge and whether or not this ultimately results in true satisfaction. There’s this issue of what exactly is enough? Is that piece of art enough to go to war over, is it enough to kill somebody, and it certainly explores extremes. Just how far will you go, what is acceptable. A piece of artwork seems trivial and yet here it makes cities rise up against each other.
On top of this i really enjoyed the whole look at the different cities that Apollo and his crew come across. It was interesting to look at the differences. Were these new places aiming to achieve excellence? They had their own religious beliefs, stark poverty was sometimes displayed opposite casual displays of wealth, systems of payment had been introduced but more than that there was in place harsh penalties for those that fall from the straight and narrow. A demonstration of how a city can be so affected by the whims and inclinations of the person controlling it.
As with my book review for Just City I don’t really think I’m doing this justice. There’s a lot to think about and I couldn’t possibly encompass it all here without writing a dissertation – which frankly I’m not inclined to do – and I don’t think anybody will want to read!
However, this is an intelligent book that explores many themes all embedded within a story of revenge.
I’m very much looking forward to the next in series.
I received a copy of this courtesy of the publisher for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Hat’s off to you…
This week over at the Broke and the Bookish we’re taking a look back at past posts. In celebration of 5 years of Top Ten Tuesday’s today’s topic is:
‘My Ten Favorite Top Ten Topics We’ve Ever Done In The Past 5 Years’
Here’s my list for this week:
- In which I give you fantasy not to be missed… August, 2014, self explanatory really (Top Ten Books I’d Give To Readers Who Have Never Read X – x=fantasy)
- Confessions of a book blogger – July 2014, again, no explanation needed! (Top Ten Blogging Confessions)
- A Friend in Need – from May 2014, ten books that look at friendship (Top Ten Books About Friendship)
- Wishing you were there? – Oct 2014, from catacombs to castles, travelling through books (Top Ten Places Books Have Made Me Want To Visit)
- To Read or Not to Read – August 2014 books that I’m probably not going to get to read (Top Ten Books I’m Not Sure I Want To Read)
- Listen to them, the children of the night... October 2013, Halloween reads (top ten books to read during Halloween)
- You’re Simply the Best – March 2015, top ten books of the last five years – this was a toughie!
- Follow the Yellow Brick Road – March 2015 books to grow up with (Top 10 Books From My Childhood (Or teen years) That I Would Love To Revisit’)
- Where’ve you been hiding – Dec 2014 – 10 new to me authors (Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2014)
- Don’t go there – Jan 2014 – top ten places or people you don’t want to go to or be (Top Ten Worlds I’d Never Want To Live In OR Top Ten Characters I’d NEVER Want To Trade Places With)
Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey, readalong week No.7
21 June 2015
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart, Readalong Week 7
Today is the seventh week in our readalong of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart. Week seven is being hosted by Susan at Dab of Darkness. The questions and answers for week No.7 are below. If you haven’t read this book already be aware of spoilers in the following text. If you have read and want to jump in with your own answers then please do so. If you want to join in with the readalong then leave a comment – the details are here.
Chapters 55-63 are covered below:
1) What do you think of the over all connection between the Casseline Brotherhood and the Yeshuites? Are you happy with where the shaggy pony ended up?
Mmm, I must admit that I hadn’t really picked up on this when I read – other than the family were great for helping Phedre and Joscelin. I liked the family, the way they interacted and the way they wanted to do even more than they already had. Clearly the connection is strong and respectful and, yes, I loved that the pony found a good home. It made me smile.
2) Phedre & Hyacinthe have a happy reunion. What do you make of Joscelin’s reaction? Do you miss Hyacinthe’s mother?
Well, I think Joscelin still doesn’t know what to think about everything if I’m being honest. He clearly wants to be with Phedre and I suppose as a reader it looks obvious the way they feel but you can’t blame them both for feeling conflicted. There is bound to be a bit of jealousy don’t you think? I do miss Hyacinthe’s mum – she only had a small role but she always made an impact.
3) Yet another happy reunion occurs with Thelesis de Mornay, the King’s Poet, who gets them in to see the Dauphine, Ysandre. Do you think there was another way to seek her audience? Such an intense meeting! What stood out the most for you?
No, I think that the way they sought the audience was effective to be honest. They were in a very precarious position and getting about, and, more to the point given what they’ve been through, trusting people, wasn’t easy. The thing that struck me the most with the meeting was that Ysandre really didn’t want to believe them – not because she ‘didn’t want to believe them’ but because she really didn’t want it to be true. I think that really brought home the full impact of what is really going to happen – and it also underlined how young she is to have such a weight placed on her shoulders and yet she’s stepping up to it admirably.
4) Phedre makes a trip to the temple of Kushiel to make atonement. Do you agree that she had things to atone for?
To be honest – no, I don’t think she had anything to atone for. I can understand that she almost feels guilt in a sense – but she is what she is. Maybe she still hasn’t completely come to terms with her true self yet? I think that the way she behaved in captivity helped to save both her and Joscelin. she never posed a threat. She appeared meek and subservient and in that way she was allowed much more freedom.
5) After King Ganelon’s death, at the hunting lodge we learn some more politics. What stood out for you? We learned more about the Picti and the prophesy. Should the fate of Terre D’Ange be resting, even partially, on the validity of a prophesy of love and union?
Maybe I’m a bit soft but i actually liked this aspect of the story a lot. it has a feeling of hope somehow. Whether it will pan out remains to be seen, and, yes, it feels a little like skating on thin ice, but it’s one of those feel good elements to a story.
6) The Casseline Prefect forbids Joscelin from serving Phedre as protector as she travels to the Pictish lands. Joscelin had to make a hard choice: did he make the right one?
Yes, he made the right choice. He undertook to protect Phedre and they’ve been through so much together that I just can’t see him giving her up to somebody else’s protection now. The only thing that did occur to me reading that scene was that to an extent I wished that Phedre had spoken up for Joscelin – by which I mean I wish that she had said he was important to her, or, if she was going to take the mission she would want him to accompany her.
7) Hyacinthe comes up with the plan to get them to the coast and meet with Royal Admiral Quintilius Rousse. Do you like the fake IDs? Do you think they will make it unscathed?
I love this part of the story with Hyacinthe becoming more involved. I think he’s come up with a great idea, it’s something I absolutely didn’t see coming at all and so hopefully nobody else will! I think they will encounter trouble along the way but that’s to be expected in a way.
8) Hyacinthe meets his grandfather, Manoj, for the first time. Happy? Sad? How do you feel about how his mother was cast out?
I felt so sorry for Hyacinthe’s mum for what happened – and also for Hyacinthe because let’s not forget that he was also affected and separated from his own people. I really enjoyed seeing Hyacinthe being accepted during these scenes, but at the end of the day even though these are his people he’s never been a part of their lives and he has other loyalties now. It did make me feel sad for her and had a bitter sweet feeling.
That’s it for me this week – looking forward to picking it back up tbh. Sorry for the lateness and if this is a bit brief – I’ve been away all weekend but wanted to get this up.
Other participants:
