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amym84's review
4.0
This is the first book by Sharon Shinn that I've read. I didn't really know too much of what to expect with her writing, but I was impressed. Mystic and Rider is definitely a fantasy book taking place in the land of Gillengaria. The king has deployed a group to gauge the feelings of the people in the country, there seems to be some unrest.
I really liked that the book started out so abruptly. Our group has already left on their journey and we start the book somewhat in the middle and learn the why as the continue on. I liked that Shinn set up that backstory this way. I think had she started the book before they started the journey the momentum would have been off. It would have taken too long to get into the mission of the story. This way, we are already invested in what they are doing before we even learn of the consquences of their mission.
The main character Senneth was good as well. It would have been really easy for Shinn to make her too hard and tough. I mean she is a very solidary character, but she's written with such mystery. We know there's more to her than she shows us and it's very interesting learning about her past.
The romance in the book was not the main focus at all. It was very subtle, but Shinn makes it well worth it. It is a big part of who the characters develop into by the end of the story so I guess it has enough focus in that respect, but those people looking for a love story first, may be disappointed. I would suggest to suspend your expectations and then you won't be let down, but pleasantly surprised.
I know that this series follows a different main character in each book (with all the established characters from this first story making appearances) so I'm interested to see if Shinn can keep my interest without Senneth as the main heroine. I do look forward to reading more by Sharon Shinn and can't wait to continue this series. Until Then!
I really liked that the book started out so abruptly. Our group has already left on their journey and we start the book somewhat in the middle and learn the why as the continue on. I liked that Shinn set up that backstory this way. I think had she started the book before they started the journey the momentum would have been off. It would have taken too long to get into the mission of the story. This way, we are already invested in what they are doing before we even learn of the consquences of their mission.
The main character Senneth was good as well. It would have been really easy for Shinn to make her too hard and tough. I mean she is a very solidary character, but she's written with such mystery. We know there's more to her than she shows us and it's very interesting learning about her past.
The romance in the book was not the main focus at all. It was very subtle, but Shinn makes it well worth it. It is a big part of who the characters develop into by the end of the story so I guess it has enough focus in that respect, but those people looking for a love story first, may be disappointed. I would suggest to suspend your expectations and then you won't be let down, but pleasantly surprised.
I know that this series follows a different main character in each book (with all the established characters from this first story making appearances) so I'm interested to see if Shinn can keep my interest without Senneth as the main heroine. I do look forward to reading more by Sharon Shinn and can't wait to continue this series. Until Then!
kuroku's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
megs_k's review against another edition
5.0
"She smiled. 'Standard fanatical rhetoric'." ~ Sharon Shinn
manlymangilly's review
3.0
Awesome concept and world, but I was thoroughly bored by the writer's obsession with the romantic aspects of the characters. A little bit of romance is fine, but with these books the entire focus of the story is on who is falling in love and all characters neatly pair up with people who are suitably unsuitable.
I saw it as a great waste of potential in an interesting world with a group of fascinating and powerful characters. Would have loved some characters who weren't so stomach churningly mushy and romantic. I struggled to relate to any of them.
This continues into the subsequent novels, and overall I ended up frustrated with the author that they didn't make better use of the wonderful world and magic they had created. Instead we watch an odd fantasy based bad romance play out over numerous books.
These are romance novels with a bit of fantasy, not fantasy novels with a bit of romance.
I saw it as a great waste of potential in an interesting world with a group of fascinating and powerful characters. Would have loved some characters who weren't so stomach churningly mushy and romantic. I struggled to relate to any of them.
This continues into the subsequent novels, and overall I ended up frustrated with the author that they didn't make better use of the wonderful world and magic they had created. Instead we watch an odd fantasy based bad romance play out over numerous books.
These are romance novels with a bit of fantasy, not fantasy novels with a bit of romance.
poisonlizzie's review
4.0
I thought this book was an enjoyable read. Found family/adventure quest. Would read again!
bookishblond's review
5.0
Once I got past the slow start, I was hooked! I read the bulk of this book in only a few days and stayed up past midnight tonight to finish it. Such a beautiful and perfect work of high fantasy. I NEED the rest of the series. Right now.
(Full review to come once I’ve gotten some sleep)
(Full review to come once I’ve gotten some sleep)
bookgirl4ever's review
4.0
A fantasy that is more about the characters than plot. Throughout the novel we are giving tidbits about each character. In the end, we find a team of very different people who are bound to each other for life.
This book reminds me of Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters Trilogy because it spotlights a particular character and the following installments spotlight other characters in Mystic and Rider.
If you like Hero and the Crown, Graceling, or Sevenwaters (this is a more simple Sevenwaters), then you may like this one.
And it is totally clean!
This book reminds me of Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters Trilogy because it spotlights a particular character and the following installments spotlight other characters in Mystic and Rider.
If you like Hero and the Crown, Graceling, or Sevenwaters (this is a more simple Sevenwaters), then you may like this one.
And it is totally clean!
la5's review
5.0
I love this series & have re-read this book so many times. I love the lavish worldbuilding, the slow progression of the characters from strangers into family. There is danger, magic, romance and backstories that unfold. I much prefer this series to the author's Samaria series.
lemonpudge's review
2.0
This book was just fine. I liked talking about it at book club, but I don't want to read the rest of the series....
roaminhohmann's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Cool world and characters but slooow plot.