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Croggon, Alison
6 Reviews
(4)
YA
A prequel set fifty years before Croggon's Pellinor Quartet (The Naming, et al.) explores Bard Cadvan of Lirigon's role in the destruction of Annar and the unleashing of the Bone Queen. The high fantasy style relies heavily on slow, dense prose. The complex plot recommends this more for series fans than as a standalone title for the uninitiated.
Reviewer: Jessica Bushore
(3)
YA
Violet-eyed witch Lina, daughter of a powerful lord, is subject to the wrath of the wizards of the North, who seek to suppress any competing powers--especially those found in women. Seemingly cursed, Lina only finds strength once she sheds the control of domineering men, including her love, Damek. The magical slant of this poetic Wuthering Heights reimagining is compelling.
Reviewer: Andrea Curtis
(3)
YA
Siblings Maerad and Hem come together via journeys across the entire map of the author's fantasy land of Edil-Amarandh. Following their destinies, these young heroes defeat the powers of darkness. Maerad's ultimate world-saving provides a satisfying conclusion to this well-executed high-concept fantasy quartet.
Reviewer: Deborah Kaplan
(3)
YA
This third installment of a fantasy quartet features Hem, brother of the series's heroine Maerad. Just as Hem is settling down in Turbansk (a city chock-full of Exotic East tropes), the forces of the Dark invade, driving Hem and his mentor, Saliman, to flee. Derivative in style yet rich in characterization, Hem's dense adventure makes for a compelling read.
Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin
(3)
YA
Sixteen-year-old Maerad travels through the frozen north in search of the mythical Treesong--key to a long-lost linguistic riddle--in this sequel to The Naming. Pursued by the forces of both Light and Dark, she must uncover her own true nature before she can succeed. Compelling original touches complement a page-turner of a quest rich in standard fantasy elements.
Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin
(3)
YA
Maerad, sixteen, escapes from slavery and discovers her true name and magical birthright in this first installment of a projected quartet. While the pacing is slow, fans of LeGuin and Tolkien will enjoy the novel's lyrical style and the richly detailed descriptions of the landscapes, inhabitants, culture, and politics of Maerad's world.
Reviewer: Beth Wright
6 reviews
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