First impressions are crucial, and Mandy Eve-Barnett makes a damn good first impression on readers on this book! The author has an intricate, but not too complex, style of narrative and she uses words that force the imagery of the period and setting of her story. In less that three sentences, you are aware and set on the scenario that she is trying to convey. Excellent!
“.… Guillem had been admired for his prowess in battle, but now he was even more revered as a troubadour. His tales of battles and faraway lands held audiences spell bound as he punctuated them with displays of swordsmanship and the exhibiting of combat scars. “
Words are so locked in place that it seems like the author took time to choose each word that is on the novella, trapping the readers in the grand grandeur of Guillem, the knight and troubadour, which fame is unmatched. The author, makes Guillem the center of attention, but there are layers of reality behind him. the character isn’t exaggerated in any aspect and the intricate narrative along the many details help in giving him a solid built.
There is poetic detail to the scenery and the narrative, but nothing that is too embellished. We understood that the author wanted to convey a certain period, and use that to create medieval contrasts that the story demanded.
Mystery and plots were laid without fan-fare, raising many questions on the back of our heads . Not long after the book starts, we have the story of Lord Elros, and the gift he received from the Griffon to save his kingdom from the witch Malgraf.
To take your eyes off the telling of Guillem is almost impossible. The simplicity and sub-plots make the book gripping, although everything is clear to the reader. As we read the tale of the Guillem telling the tale, we feel ourselves in the company of the lords and ladies, watching and listening to the incredible narration of the troubadour. Not only the story grips us but the mystery of Stephen, also grows thick in our minds as more and more attention is given to him and his uncanny ability that no-one can explain. Curious, very curious.
The author MASTERFULLY keeps us trapped in this story and as it grows, the elements of mystery, expectation and the coming demise grip around us with sheer might! Both stories connect perfectly and we are bound to them as we see the plots advancing. WONDERFUL! Oh, only if the King was a little more patient…
More towards the end there is a most magical marriage you will read, rich in detail and destiny.
This gripping story will make readers lose themselves in it. Its pace does not allow breaks and the narrative excites promises of more and more. We read about fierce battles against magical creatures commanded by Malgraf, her followers willing to do anything to go forward with her plans.
Although the plot might seem, at first, quite familiar, the evil witch seeking vengeance, there are many twists in this story. Mandy made an EXCELLENT job in making it original in every corner for us.
Her narrative and the little details she has woven into the story create a level of believability that we dare not to question, and are fascinated by how easily the writer can make everything that we imagine so solid. The characters fit their roles, you can feel the stubbornness, the might and the property of the King whenever he speaks and makes demands; the grace and gentleness of the Queen; the ever-observant eye of the Troubadour, seeking details in everything and everyone; the bravery of the Knights, the Commanders, the pain of the soldiers; the angst of the servants of the Witch; the tiredness of the Kingdom’s Witch, and the fine details sown so well into it that we cannot feel but taken completely by this story from beginning to end. Excellently done! This is the beginning of a GREAT series of magic and destiny.
Amazing read, this one. Lovers of fantasy, love, destiny and history/medieval literature will adore this novella. Don’t hesitate and grab your copy of this book. Great stuff.
Pros:
- Gripping narrative
- Excellent relay of details that make the story and characters feel real
- Unpredictable plot all the way
- Surprising mysteries
- Fast-paced narrative
- Original plot
- Magic intense, with intricate scenes and detail procedures that feed the reader’s mind over the whole process
- A sense of urgency permeating the book all the way
Cons:
- None
Scribble's Worth 