☺☺☺☺☻
A young woman stands against the backdrop of a snowy expanse. She holds her left hand up to her chest as if to ward off the cold that her cloak does not fully protect her from. In the other hand she plants a staff in the snow. Her stance is determined but her grip on the staff is light as if she isn't certain of its use. A blue crystal tops the staff, glowing wisps of magic swirling in the breeze.
Myranda Celeste is a pariah in a war-torn society that doesn't approve of her beliefs or the compassion she holds for every single being on earth. She struggles to survive the harsh winter clime of her homeland without adequate clothing, food, or supplies. When she finds a beautiful jewel encrusted blade in an ice covered field Myranda's only wish is to hawk it for enough money to stay alive. But the sword brings more into her life than she could have ever imagined and sets her on a path that will see her struggle to survive not just against nature but the people and creatures hunting her for what she doesn't even know or understand.
What I liked:
- Myranda is a wonderful character, driven by compassion and a desire for social interactions that undoubtedly turnout worse than she intended. Her desire to see the war that tore apart of her family and homeland is admirable.
- Leo is another wonderful character. I loved the introduction of the unique malthrope even if he doesn't turn out to be everything I would have wanted him to be.
- My favorite part of the whole book would probably be Myn. She's a cute little dragon and her attachment and protective nature towards Myranda makes a wonderful addition to our little crew. I hope she eventually learns to speak like Solomon.
What I disliked:
- Sometimes the dialogue was a little stiff.
- My main complaint was in the repetitive nature of her training. Each one was so similar to the other that you could practically interchange the elements without much of a difference. To spend as much time on this aspect of Myranda's journey as we did you would think that it would be helpful to flesh it out a little more.
- Myranda takes a little longer than she probably should have to figure out Lain's true identity. I suspected it in the church. I knew it the second she met the fellow in the restaurant who mentioned the Red Shadow assassin. Yet it took Myranda much much longer.
- Judging by the way Myranda picks up all aspects of her magic and combat training so quickly, you would think people would guess she's the chosen one who is good at everything they attempt. Maybe she's not but someone should at least suggest it.
- The romance between Myranda and Deacon as of this book is not at all believable or even desirable really. I find myself rooting more for the malthrope than I would for him. Which is odd and a little sad.
- A few characters just kinda washed in and out, maybe we'll see more of them in later books, but for now they were mostly a waste of page space.
☺☺☺☺☻
4 out of 5 smilies
Recommended for fantasy readers both young and old.
Synopsis: "Myranda is a young woman more interested in staying alive than being a hero. Orphaned by a continent-spanning war that has gone on for decades too long and shunned for failing to support it, she has been on the move since she was only a child. One can hardly blame her when she thinks that the chance discovery of a fallen soldier's priceless cargo is the moment that will change her life. No one could predict just how great that change would be. It will lead her through an adventure of rebels and generals, of wizards and warriors, and of beasts both noble and monstrous. Each step of the way will take her closer to the truth of her potential, of the war, and of the fate of her world."
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