Fiction / High Fantasy
400 pages
5 Stars
Legalities First: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from
NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I am reviewing the words, not the
formatting. There are some issues, at this time, with the formatting, which I
am confident will be taken care of by next March ;-)
This was one of the hardest books I've ever had to put down
for such mundane things as sleep, travel, and other adult responsibilities. I
am truly so very sorry you will have to wait until 7 March 2017 to buy your own
copy, but you can order it now! Do so. You'll forget you've ordered it, and
when the book comes in March it will be the most fantabulous surprise present
you've ever received. Honest. Trust me.
Chupeco has created a universe unlike any you've ever
visited. She has populated it with not only fascinating people, but with some
of the most amazing animals ever. She has done a marvelous job of taking the
old myths of Asia and Asia Minor and reworking them into the most lyrical and
beautiful fantasy.
Tea discovers, quite by accident, she can raise the dead,
when as a child she raises her newly killed brother from his grave. And her
ability to do so comes at a price, which she must pay. She is taken by another
witch, who is also a dark ashe (witch) to the headquarters where she will be
trained in may forms of witchery from the dark arts to dance, song, and
conversation.
Unlike the wielders of magic of many fantasies who must
remain celibate in order to work their magic, the ashe are trained almost as a
geisha. They are allowed to love, to mate, to be human. In fact, they are
encouraged to take patrons—as patrons pay and bring money to the different
houses.
By the time I got to the end of the book, I was pretty sure
I had it figured out. Boy Howdy! Was I ever wrong!! There are still a couple of
questions I need answers to; however, as thorough as Rin Chupeco is in her
writing, I am sure they will be answered in the next book. Although this book
is the first of a series, it does end, and it ends very well, and with
satisfaction. You will not be left hanging wondering what comes next. You will
be left hanging as you wait for more of the story, though. If it helps, the
rope with which she hangs you is highest grade silk. I hope she is a fast
writer!
It has been years since I've read High Fantasy as well
written, as engaging, as original as this book. I will buy and read her other
books, and look forward to the rest of this series. I am eager to once again
enter her universe.
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