This book
is proof that sometimes you have to dive into the unknown. I bought this book
at the local book festival (yes, I know, again!). After a full first round in
the room, I didn’t have any Fantasy books in my basket, and leaving without my
favorite genre wasn’t an option. Anyone who has ever visited the book festival
knows that 1 round of all the books takes a whole afternoon. So I had a fast
2nd round (especially in the English fiction) for some fantasy books. As it was
getting late, I had to rely on fleeting impressions: the cover, diagonally
reading the back cover, ...
This is one
of the books I found during the 2nd round. I didn’t know the author, had never
heard of the series, but was attracted by the cover.
The world
in which the story takes place is exactly what I love so much: a bit of a
medieval scenario, with a queen, princess, court intrigues, magicians, war, and
much more!
A short
description: We are sucked into a world where Fells is ruled by a long line of
queens, all descendants from the legendary Hanalea. Hanalea was the queen who,
in the past, defeated the powerful magician "The Demon King" and thus
saved the world. This is now still known as "The Breaking". Since
that day magicians were restricted and the High Wizard bound to the queen.
The present
Queen, Marianna, seems to be easily influenced by the High Wizard, Gavan Bayar.
Her daughter, the heir Raisa ana'Marianna, has just returned from a 3-year stay
in the Demonai Clan with her father's family. The clans live in the mountains
and are responsible for the production of many products, including magical
amulets.
Raisa is
concerned about the weak ruling of her mother and wants to be a better queen.
But her mother has other plans for her. Can Raisa take her fate into her own
hands?
On the
other hand we have Hanson Alister. Han lives with his mother and sister in the
slums of Fells March, more specifically Ragmarket. He was formerly known as
"Cuffs" referring to the 2 silver bracelets that he could not seem to
get out of. Under his pseudonym Cuffs, Han was a famous leader of a street
gang, the Raggers. To protect his sister and mother, however, he stepped out of
the criminal life and he tries to earn money for his family.
Han stays
in Marisa Pines Camp every summer, where he spends his days with his best
friend Fire Dancer.
In the
beginning of the story Han and his best friend Dancer encouter three young
magicians, including Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard. Although mages are
only allowed to use magic as they receive their amulet when they’ve been to the
magicians academy, Micah has still
managed to get hold of an amulet and sets a mountain ablaze.
Han forces
Micah to hand over the amulet and thus initiates a war that will cost him all
that’s close to his heart.
This is an
ideal book to immerse yourself in and be lost in it until you've turned the
last page. I can’t wait for the sequel that will arrive in my mailbox next week!
Rating:
