In this standalone fantasy, we delve into a world of politics and magic. Spoilers ahead.
Jena, a gemcutter's daughter, wants to live the simple life being a gemcutter and live with her groom-to-be Bram. But when she starts sensing things others can't, Jena's live turns upside down as she is teleported magically to a special castle and learns there that she's an adept, someone capable of magic. She starts looking for her lost partner-through-magic Morgan, and gets caught up in all kinds of politics with the Houses.
I wouldn't call this a grand epic fantasy book or anything. In fact, it isn't. It's very low-fantasy. There are magical elements present, but that's really all there is to it. No dragons or wizard battles or whatever. And, honestly, for what it is, it's perfectly fine. Would I call it good... Maybe? Serviceable at least, and impressive for a first novel.
Jena, for one, is a greet protagonist. She's obviously the most flashed-out character in the book, and she does a great job as our heroine. She is clearly a lady, but she doesn't let that define her. She just wants to be this craftswoman and live a happy life, but faces the sexism and other tribulations on her way. She also doesn't (thank God) get caught up in a love triangle between Bram, her betrothed, and Morgan, who she is magically bound to. Some elements of it are addressed, but it's made clear in the end that she can make her own decisions and doesn't have to be romantically involved with Morgan; they can have a totally different kind of relationship.
The other characters were a bit of a mixed bag, but I definitely found myself liking Kestrienne, Rhuddlan, Morgan and some others. The villain wasn't the most engaging if you ask me, but still he did his job fairly well.
The whole sexism elements in this story didn't feel necessary if you ask me, but it at least isn't a very major part of the book, so that's good.
I also quite liked the way the magic in this book was described, more like a flowing energy rather than actual spells that you seen in a lot of other fantasy media. That was kind of a neat take on magic.
The politics were also pretty cool, with the differing Houses all being named after a gemstone respectively.
The politics were also pretty cool, with the differing Houses all being named after a gemstone respectively.
Overall, I think this isn't a book I'm wild about, but I won't say "don't read it", because it definitely has some good elements in there. This one is probably one of these books where you have to see for yourself if you like it or not. It's decent. Bordering on good but not quite there yet.
Rating: 3/5
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