| Author: Sharon Shinn | Series: The Twelve Houses |
| Rating: 8.5 | Reviewer: Roxy |
| Genre: Fantasy | Publisher:Ace |
| Pages: 420 | Orig Pub Date: November, 2007 |
| Binding: Paperback | Cover Illus.: Donato Giancola |
“Sweet Gods,” Cammon whispered, and felt black despair swamp his heart. “We cannot save her.” Just then the air was split with a sound that made his blood spoil in his veins.
Cammon is a gifted Reader, able to know people’s thoughts and emotions. In fact, he might be the most powerful Reader in a kingdom known for distrusting mystics. Surrounded by his mystic friends, he has the opportunity to change this hatred and mistrust when he befriends the princess. As Cammon’s friendship with Princess Amalie deepens to something no commoner should ever feel for royalty, the kingdom faces a political crisis brought to a head by enemies of the crown. Not only that, Amalie begins to display some astonishing talents. Those involved in the power struggle for the throne begin to be deeply concerned as their viewpoint on mystics is challenged.
Reader and Raelynx is the latest installment in the Twelve Houses series. Although I haven’t read the first two books, I wasn’t lost in the story. The author sprinkled in the backstory with a deft hand, explaining the history and pieces of the character-building in a way that I could jump right into the story. I found the story concept inventive, a new twist on mind magic in a market glutted with mental sorcery. I was captivated by the characters and their experiences. I intend to go back and read more, to watch these people develop even though I know how the story will end.
Sharon Shinn is good at describing individuals but the book gets shaky when the story steps back to look at political entities. As a result, the scenes from the final battle are disjointed and rough. Perhaps if I had been in on the political scene from the beginning of the books I would have picked up on the more subtle workings in the action. Unfortunately, I felt a bit let down by the last couple of chapters.
Regardless, Reader and Raelynx is still an enjoyable read for a Saturday afternoon. Not complicated or gory, this is a perfect story for young readers looking to explore a different author. I would encourage readers to also look into The Thirteenth House and Dark Moon Defender, the first two books in this series.
Buy it now at Amazon! | View/Post Comments(1)
