Book Review
Jan. 29th, 2013 09:05 amBard's Oath
by Joanne Bertin
This book is set in the same world and follows the same characters as Bertin's previous two books, but it works well as a stand-alone story. Here we find Dragonlords (people who are half dragon and can shift between forms) Linden, Maurynna, and Shima and their human compatriot Raven caught up in the vengeful machinations of Leet, a master bard who has found a way to use dark and dangerous magic to achieve his ends. Bard's Oath is a wonderful mixture of high fantasy and detective story, with great characters and world-building.
The pace for the most of the book is somewhat slow, but I found it not only effective, but extremely enjoyable. There are many characters and plot threads, and the leisurely pacing gives the reader time to really get to know all of it and to savor each element. There's a strong sense of place and a richness to the cast of characters that makes the world and its people feel very real and alive. The writing also had a warmth and vividness to it that I loved. Sitting down to read Bard's Oath felt like going to visit a favorite town filled with friends, which makes me a little sad to have finished it.
by Joanne Bertin
This book is set in the same world and follows the same characters as Bertin's previous two books, but it works well as a stand-alone story. Here we find Dragonlords (people who are half dragon and can shift between forms) Linden, Maurynna, and Shima and their human compatriot Raven caught up in the vengeful machinations of Leet, a master bard who has found a way to use dark and dangerous magic to achieve his ends. Bard's Oath is a wonderful mixture of high fantasy and detective story, with great characters and world-building.
The pace for the most of the book is somewhat slow, but I found it not only effective, but extremely enjoyable. There are many characters and plot threads, and the leisurely pacing gives the reader time to really get to know all of it and to savor each element. There's a strong sense of place and a richness to the cast of characters that makes the world and its people feel very real and alive. The writing also had a warmth and vividness to it that I loved. Sitting down to read Bard's Oath felt like going to visit a favorite town filled with friends, which makes me a little sad to have finished it.