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saracox's review
4.0
When I first started reading this I thought "Inkheart Reversed" and was a tad disappointed, but as it went through I really enjoyed the character development and the breaking of stereotypes. I loved how J.M.Frey took the average storylines of stories within the same genre as this and challenges them through Pip (our protagonist). I personally thought it could have been left with Pip and Forsey going through the portal but I'm aware that this is a series and assume the following will follow on from their world hop.
witkopa's review
4.0
This is a great book! I love the meta-fantasy thing it has going on. I went into this book without knowing it was a feminist book and I loved how it was tackled. The characters are flawed and deep and work well together. I enjoyed the world building and also enjoyed the diversity in the book that wasn't shoved in your face. I think it was very well written and a clever concept. I'm excited to read the next ones.
mxsallybend's review
3.0
The Untold Tale, the first book in the Accidental Turn Series by J.M. Frey, is an altogether lovely deconstruction of epic fantasy, portal fantasy, and traditional romantic fantasy - and one that is delightfully entirely self-aware. While other reviewers have labeled it as feminist fantasy, I think that is a mistake. Such a view is simply too . . . well, simple (for lack of a better word). Yes, there are feminist elements within that deconstruction, but they are only a part of the story.
This is such a fun tale, and one that delights in twisting tropes and stomping all over stereotypes. Our hero, young Forsyth, is the traditionally younger, weaker, plainer, stuttering, less heroic brother. An oft-neglected noble and secret spy, he lives in the constant shadow of his stereotypically heroic (and barbarian-bimbo) brother. Really, it is Kintyre who would traditionally be the hero - he is, after all, who the women swoon over - and Forsyth expects his story to be usurped at any time by the warrior, but denying that literary rebellion is the whole point.
Our window into this world is a young woman named Pip, and that is where things get really interesting, She is a Reader from outside the story who made her way into the novel and survived brutal torture to arrive at Forsyth's side. She is a fan of the The Tales of Kintyre Turn, and is constantly surprised at how little she knows about Forsythe - since, of course, he has never been the main character. The whole world-building mythology here of a civilization that exists in literary terms is just marvelous. Frey has a lot of fun with that portal aspect, and even has Pip drop other literary references throughout the novel that only we, as Readers ourselves, have any chance of recognizing. At the same time, she presents us with a medieval fantasy world that is very real - as full of poverty and disease as it is magic and heroism.
Despite the fun, playful elements, and in start contrast to the clever rewriting of fantasy tropes and stereotypes, this is often a very dark story. Do not let the oddity of it fool you. Yes, it is often laugh-out-loud funny, but it is just as often cringe-and-shudder horrifying. Frey demonstrates a true passion for the genre, as well as a deep understanding of what comprises it. The Untold Tale is odd. It can often be unsettling. Once in a while it is even absurd. Yet, it can never be accused of being over-the-top, is never boring, and manages to delight as both an entertaining read and a clever skewering of the genre.
This is such a fun tale, and one that delights in twisting tropes and stomping all over stereotypes. Our hero, young Forsyth, is the traditionally younger, weaker, plainer, stuttering, less heroic brother. An oft-neglected noble and secret spy, he lives in the constant shadow of his stereotypically heroic (and barbarian-bimbo) brother. Really, it is Kintyre who would traditionally be the hero - he is, after all, who the women swoon over - and Forsyth expects his story to be usurped at any time by the warrior, but denying that literary rebellion is the whole point.
Our window into this world is a young woman named Pip, and that is where things get really interesting, She is a Reader from outside the story who made her way into the novel and survived brutal torture to arrive at Forsyth's side. She is a fan of the The Tales of Kintyre Turn, and is constantly surprised at how little she knows about Forsythe - since, of course, he has never been the main character. The whole world-building mythology here of a civilization that exists in literary terms is just marvelous. Frey has a lot of fun with that portal aspect, and even has Pip drop other literary references throughout the novel that only we, as Readers ourselves, have any chance of recognizing. At the same time, she presents us with a medieval fantasy world that is very real - as full of poverty and disease as it is magic and heroism.
Despite the fun, playful elements, and in start contrast to the clever rewriting of fantasy tropes and stereotypes, this is often a very dark story. Do not let the oddity of it fool you. Yes, it is often laugh-out-loud funny, but it is just as often cringe-and-shudder horrifying. Frey demonstrates a true passion for the genre, as well as a deep understanding of what comprises it. The Untold Tale is odd. It can often be unsettling. Once in a while it is even absurd. Yet, it can never be accused of being over-the-top, is never boring, and manages to delight as both an entertaining read and a clever skewering of the genre.
itsneilcochrane's review
5.0
How do I love this book? Let me count the ways.
First, characters. Forsyth Turn is incredibly realistic, and I know this because he is almost literally my husband. (And I mean that in the best way, dear.) The juxtaposition of competence and insecurity that is so baffling to those of us who don't experience it at such a level is perfectly, achingly rendered in Forsyth, as is, in Pip, the frustration of those on the outside of it. The choice of Forsyth as a POV character goes a long way toward deconstructing expectations of fantasy protagonists--not only the idea of the Kintyre-esque soldier-hero, but also the unruffled wizard type that has gained more popularity in recent years.
Pip is interesting in many, more extrapolative ways, because she is not given POV time and because she remains largely inscrutable to Forsyth for much of the novel. In his early adoration, he tries to put her on a lovely-maiden pedestal, but she constantly demands that he remember that she is a person on his level. Her frustration with her lack of adventuring skills resonated a lot with me, as both a fantasy fan and a fantasy writer, because how often have we imagined being part of our favorite adventures? We might imagine that we would be powerful and useful members of the company, but honestly if I were pulled into Lord of the Rings right now, this very day, the most I'd have to offer is, like Pip, my runner's stamina and speed, haha.
Another major thing to love about this book is the world-building, and the flip-side, the way the world is scrutinized and questioned by Pip. It's a reminder to us as creators that we should be deliberate about every thing we write, considering the message and the experience of each aspect of the world our characters inhabit.
Technically speaking, the book is masterfully executed. Forsyth's voice is consistent throughout while remaining adaptive to his character growth, which can be a difficult thing to achieve. The pacing is controlled, allowing this to be an engaging read without necessarily pushing the reader through the plot. While a can't-read-it-fast-enough book is fun from time to time, this book invites you to savor each word, even as you somehow read two hundred pages in a single sitting.
This book took some dark turns that I wasn't expecting, but those developments were not entirely unwelcome; I won't say more, to avoid spoilers. The narrative walks a fine line between deconstructing classic fantasy tropes and employing them, and I look forward to seeing discussions on the topic.
Overall, my biggest disappointment was that Forsyth and Pip were not lesbians.
First, characters. Forsyth Turn is incredibly realistic, and I know this because he is almost literally my husband. (And I mean that in the best way, dear.) The juxtaposition of competence and insecurity that is so baffling to those of us who don't experience it at such a level is perfectly, achingly rendered in Forsyth, as is, in Pip, the frustration of those on the outside of it. The choice of Forsyth as a POV character goes a long way toward deconstructing expectations of fantasy protagonists--not only the idea of the Kintyre-esque soldier-hero, but also the unruffled wizard type that has gained more popularity in recent years.
Pip is interesting in many, more extrapolative ways, because she is not given POV time and because she remains largely inscrutable to Forsyth for much of the novel. In his early adoration, he tries to put her on a lovely-maiden pedestal, but she constantly demands that he remember that she is a person on his level. Her frustration with her lack of adventuring skills resonated a lot with me, as both a fantasy fan and a fantasy writer, because how often have we imagined being part of our favorite adventures? We might imagine that we would be powerful and useful members of the company, but honestly if I were pulled into Lord of the Rings right now, this very day, the most I'd have to offer is, like Pip, my runner's stamina and speed, haha.
Another major thing to love about this book is the world-building, and the flip-side, the way the world is scrutinized and questioned by Pip. It's a reminder to us as creators that we should be deliberate about every thing we write, considering the message and the experience of each aspect of the world our characters inhabit.
Technically speaking, the book is masterfully executed. Forsyth's voice is consistent throughout while remaining adaptive to his character growth, which can be a difficult thing to achieve. The pacing is controlled, allowing this to be an engaging read without necessarily pushing the reader through the plot. While a can't-read-it-fast-enough book is fun from time to time, this book invites you to savor each word, even as you somehow read two hundred pages in a single sitting.
This book took some dark turns that I wasn't expecting, but those developments were not entirely unwelcome; I won't say more, to avoid spoilers. The narrative walks a fine line between deconstructing classic fantasy tropes and employing them, and I look forward to seeing discussions on the topic.
Overall, my biggest disappointment was that Forsyth and Pip were not lesbians.
charlieschifo's review
5.0
* I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review*
This was one of those books that had me hooked from the very beginning. It’s got all the fantasy elements you could want and a big hit of romance. It’s got plenty of twists and turns that keep you reading and even though it’s a long book it’s so well written, the characters so well fleshed out, the world so full and inviting that it never gets boring or feels too long. I am so excited to read the next one I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This was one of those books that had me hooked from the very beginning. It’s got all the fantasy elements you could want and a big hit of romance. It’s got plenty of twists and turns that keep you reading and even though it’s a long book it’s so well written, the characters so well fleshed out, the world so full and inviting that it never gets boring or feels too long. I am so excited to read the next one I can’t wait to see what happens next!
raeanne's review
5.0
I received a free copy to review from the publisher. This does not effect my review in any way.
I know I severely slacked on writing and posting this review. I'm sorry! This is not one of those "I read it and forgot it" books. This is a "Holy fuck, I need a minute to digest it."
Of course, I couldn't only sit there and ponder it. Life goes on. Life is busy. The Untold Tale never left me. Every time I stopped to try and write this something else would pop up like a wack-a-mole.
Trigger Warning: Rape, Assault, Child Abuse,
First sentence:
The Untold Tale immediately hooked me. Forsyth is smart and witty and a survivor. He makes me want to hug and squish him and make it all better. Of course, he’d be wildly embarrassed and insulted due to the toxic masculinity his world was built upon, which makes me want to do it more.
Lucy is a strong character, female. She’s an academic proving her thesis, a fan girl living a nightmare, an independent woman on an adventure. She’s snarky and daring and oh, so relatable. Growing up and loving fantasy is fraught with pain as an insider. She illustrates the problematic aspects of the Euro-centric heteronormative toxic white masculinity fantasy and changes this world for the better.
Kintyre Turn and his sidekick are disgusting and stupid as you’d think. At first. The ending brings surprises, progression, and redemption.
It’s impressively weaved, especially being self-aware. Lucy being a reader from our world, knows the tropes and formulaic plots. So how does a white guy fantasy world keep Lucy, and consequently us, on our toes?
There are several sex scenes throughout their travels and I found them enjoyable. It’s sweet and romantic, with one party an infatuated, bumbling newbie. The sex is still perfection, obviously. Which is eye-rolling-ly fitting.
The Shocking Twist is disturbing. Creepy enough to want to quit almost, but I was too involved in the story. I had to know how they moved forward, how it resolved. Was it all [redacted]?!?!
In the beginning I was very happy with how Lucy was given room to experience the aftermath and PTSD from the Villains. Towards the end though it rushed her forward to a split second decision that didn’t seem fair to anyone. Which makes the resolution a tad jarring.
Am I happy with it? Yes. My heart would have broken otherwise, TBH. Would I like more wiggle room to launch a defense of these events, which I cannot talk about specifically without major spoilage? Yes.
This along with the Turn’s abusive childhood home being brought up as the one defining thing, was rather annoying. Abusive childhoods have long reaching consequences in ways outsiders don’t understand. Forsyth’s problems and mindset is all surface expectations and nothing that sells it for me, as someone who’s been there personally.
If you like self-aware books, meta critiques, smart fantasy, fantasy that crosses with contemporary life, or just want a well-written, surprising fantasy, I highly recommend The Untold Tale.
I only warn away because the smarmy sexism and retroactive rape scenes. It’s not pretty or easy to read as they explore the damage of this disgruntled white man’s world, so if you’re looking for escape, find another book. But if you’d like to show ‘em up and dig in, The Untold Tale can be cathartic.
I will absolutely be continuing the series. I wish I could read it right now. But with the commitments and being exhausted all the time, I just don’t have the wherewithal to do anything right now.
So it’s on the very important list of books like #THUG and the Assassin’s Quest series, but oh god, I’m so tired.
QUOTES:
I know I severely slacked on writing and posting this review. I'm sorry! This is not one of those "I read it and forgot it" books. This is a "Holy fuck, I need a minute to digest it."
Of course, I couldn't only sit there and ponder it. Life goes on. Life is busy. The Untold Tale never left me. Every time I stopped to try and write this something else would pop up like a wack-a-mole.
Trigger Warning: Rape, Assault, Child Abuse,
First sentence:
I am upstairs when I catch sight of the approaching cart and its cargo through the thick glass of my window.
The Untold Tale immediately hooked me. Forsyth is smart and witty and a survivor. He makes me want to hug and squish him and make it all better. Of course, he’d be wildly embarrassed and insulted due to the toxic masculinity his world was built upon, which makes me want to do it more.
Lucy is a strong character, female. She’s an academic proving her thesis, a fan girl living a nightmare, an independent woman on an adventure. She’s snarky and daring and oh, so relatable. Growing up and loving fantasy is fraught with pain as an insider. She illustrates the problematic aspects of the Euro-centric heteronormative toxic white masculinity fantasy and changes this world for the better.
Kintyre Turn and his sidekick are disgusting and stupid as you’d think. At first. The ending brings surprises, progression, and redemption.
It’s impressively weaved, especially being self-aware. Lucy being a reader from our world, knows the tropes and formulaic plots. So how does a white guy fantasy world keep Lucy, and consequently us, on our toes?
There are several sex scenes throughout their travels and I found them enjoyable. It’s sweet and romantic, with one party an infatuated, bumbling newbie. The sex is still perfection, obviously. Which is eye-rolling-ly fitting.
The Shocking Twist is disturbing. Creepy enough to want to quit almost, but I was too involved in the story. I had to know how they moved forward, how it resolved. Was it all [redacted]?!?!
In the beginning I was very happy with how Lucy was given room to experience the aftermath and PTSD from the Villains. Towards the end though it rushed her forward to a split second decision that didn’t seem fair to anyone. Which makes the resolution a tad jarring.
Am I happy with it? Yes. My heart would have broken otherwise, TBH. Would I like more wiggle room to launch a defense of these events, which I cannot talk about specifically without major spoilage? Yes.
This along with the Turn’s abusive childhood home being brought up as the one defining thing, was rather annoying. Abusive childhoods have long reaching consequences in ways outsiders don’t understand. Forsyth’s problems and mindset is all surface expectations and nothing that sells it for me, as someone who’s been there personally.
If you like self-aware books, meta critiques, smart fantasy, fantasy that crosses with contemporary life, or just want a well-written, surprising fantasy, I highly recommend The Untold Tale.
I only warn away because the smarmy sexism and retroactive rape scenes. It’s not pretty or easy to read as they explore the damage of this disgruntled white man’s world, so if you’re looking for escape, find another book. But if you’d like to show ‘em up and dig in, The Untold Tale can be cathartic.
I will absolutely be continuing the series. I wish I could read it right now. But with the commitments and being exhausted all the time, I just don’t have the wherewithal to do anything right now.
So it’s on the very important list of books like #THUG and the Assassin’s Quest series, but oh god, I’m so tired.
QUOTES:
“What I wouldn’t give to have a spy network as efficient and quick as the grandmothers of Turnshire,”
(More than once I have brought my Shadow’s Men to such evenings and told them to observe the spying techniques of those with more experience than them.)
like a particularly finicky cat: not sure if she should enjoy the sensation or not, but clearly desperate for the experience of it all the same.
I’ve imagined myself in places like this for years, wanted to be here, wanted to hear the stories and laugh and clap along, but I . . . there’s no place for me, because I’m not a white face, because I’m a woman, because of the kind of world that Elgar Reed wrote.”
goodbookss95's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the complexity of the storyline and the characters. Sometimes, I thought that the characters acted out-of-character but I think that is because of how realistic the author has tried to be. A lot of times in fiction, characters are written as if they are only of one mind, but these characters have full personalities, with juxtapositions and hypocrisies that even they get confused by, which I think is very realistic. I found this epic journey a lot easier to follow than a lot of epics, and I liked how Pip was able to figure out how to use the objects at the end. This novel is intended to be a critique of stereotypes and writers that simply follow the norm, without adding anything new to the genre. I understand how the blend of reality and fiction was the best way to introduce a feminist voice into the SF/F world. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants complex characters, a strong female protagonist, and all-around decent read.
_surri_'s review
5.0
Definitely a book for lovers of books. Wow. This was not an easy read for me. It made me think, made my heart ache for these characters that I so easily relate to, made me angry with many things in fiction and academia. but WOW. so good.
mad_about_books's review
5.0
A well written story is a thing of beauty. There is magic in reading twenty, or thirty, or forty pages in what feels like the blink of an eye. The words just flow and give an alternate meaning to the expression 'page turner.' The pages just seem to turn themselves as the words build pictures and feelings and sensations. A page turner doesn't require swashbuckling, mystery, or danger, although there are some readers, I would imagine, who wouldn't see it my way. This is a well written story that wraps all these things into an epic fantasy without making the action the most important thing.
THE UNTOLD TALE revels in its many levels of complexity; it is a tale within a tale, within a tale. The characters are both cardboard cutouts and fully fleshed individuals of such emotional intricacy that you, the reader, feel their every agony of pleasure or pain.
I was particularly enamored with the way J. M. Frey guided me from fantasy to reality with such subtlety that I found myself ensnared so totally that there was no letting go. The premise here is unique to me, which added a new dimension to my reading experience.
Since I have started reading with writing a review as my goal, I find that words will pop into my head that I must remember to use when writing my review. THE UNTOLD TALE seems a perfect vehicle for the extremely strong female protagonist, Lucy Piper... "Pip." As I neared the end of this long and involved story, the word hubris came to me unbidden. This fantasy is a story of our times cloaked in the colors of fantasy. It examines love from all angles. It examines kindness and equality to and for all. It speaks to the evils that abound in all worlds... the real and the fantastic. In THE UNTOLD TALE, you will learn the symbiosis of the writer with the reader, and how the tale unites the two.
It is a rare thing indeed to read a book that comes as near to perfection as does this one. My perfect book uses language to paint a picture, to evoke a tear, to make me laugh, and to be as close to never ending as possible. Yes, a good book should always leave you wanting more, and this apparently will fulfill that want since it purports to be the first in a series. I totally look forward to the next installment.
I downloaded this book from Story Cartel with the promise of a review.
THE UNTOLD TALE revels in its many levels of complexity; it is a tale within a tale, within a tale. The characters are both cardboard cutouts and fully fleshed individuals of such emotional intricacy that you, the reader, feel their every agony of pleasure or pain.
I was particularly enamored with the way J. M. Frey guided me from fantasy to reality with such subtlety that I found myself ensnared so totally that there was no letting go. The premise here is unique to me, which added a new dimension to my reading experience.
Since I have started reading with writing a review as my goal, I find that words will pop into my head that I must remember to use when writing my review. THE UNTOLD TALE seems a perfect vehicle for the extremely strong female protagonist, Lucy Piper... "Pip." As I neared the end of this long and involved story, the word hubris came to me unbidden. This fantasy is a story of our times cloaked in the colors of fantasy. It examines love from all angles. It examines kindness and equality to and for all. It speaks to the evils that abound in all worlds... the real and the fantastic. In THE UNTOLD TALE, you will learn the symbiosis of the writer with the reader, and how the tale unites the two.
It is a rare thing indeed to read a book that comes as near to perfection as does this one. My perfect book uses language to paint a picture, to evoke a tear, to make me laugh, and to be as close to never ending as possible. Yes, a good book should always leave you wanting more, and this apparently will fulfill that want since it purports to be the first in a series. I totally look forward to the next installment.
I downloaded this book from Story Cartel with the promise of a review.
alexperc_92's review
5.0
I recieved an ARC from REUTS Publications in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*
When I read the summary from this book, I swore I would obtain it. I think I had a small Gollum episode but now I am fine! For true!
So, in this new fantasy novel we have Forsyth. He is a lord in Turn Hall and Lysse Chipping, areas found in the magical kingdom he lives in, as also secretly he is the spymaster of the King. He is a decent guy with love for books as also quite smart and strategic. (there is also a nice map at the beginning of the book, so you can't get lost)
But when his Men bring in a wounded woman who not only looks foreign but also knows about his identity and his life, Forsyth will have to rethink not only his role in this world but also the idea he has about his self.
Now brace yourselves: Pip is not just any damsel in distress. She is a Reader! Meaning that she got sucked into Forsyth's world, which is none other than a book! The details are quite a spoiler so, if you know evil mini-me, then you have to read the book in order to learn more.
The whole story is an adventure which actually takes all the stereotypes we have about high fantasy novels, deconstructs them, reforms them and then we have the author adding new, more exciting details about everything and everyone! If you are a good YA reader then I can assure you that Frey can deliver a story with critism but also with romance, fighting and humor.
The character I liked most was Forsyth. He is the main POV of the book and through his eyes we learn about Pip, who has dedicated her life reading the book series Forsyth is in. He is always surprised about the way she thinks and silently he falls for her, which I found quite cute. It was nice to have a noble man in a story who did not have the caveman attitude and actually cared about the female character.
Although Forsyth is quite a strong character he always doubts himself, has low self-esteem and self confidence since he had to endure his life under the shadow of his older brother who is the type of the alpha-male knight. His brother also is a jerk, but I will bypass it for now.
What makes even more amazing the plot in this book, is the faint feeling I got when reading it. It felt like I was watching "The Princess Bride" both the movie and the book, not to mention the reference of the phrase "As you wish" in the story. Adding to that the fact that Ivy was transported into a bookish world and you have me recommending the book to every person I know!
There was also a small fantasy of me traveling to the world of "Throne of Glass" series but after seeing what Pip got through, I did rethink about it. Not always do you get to become who you think in a bookish world and the evil guy can be even more sadistic than he looks like.
"The Untold Tale" is a three book series and after reading the ending I have quite high expectations about the sequels. I am sure that J. M. Frey will blow my mind again and I am crossing my fingers wishing for more adventures for Forsyth and Pip!
When I read the summary from this book, I swore I would obtain it. I think I had a small Gollum episode but now I am fine! For true!
So, in this new fantasy novel we have Forsyth. He is a lord in Turn Hall and Lysse Chipping, areas found in the magical kingdom he lives in, as also secretly he is the spymaster of the King. He is a decent guy with love for books as also quite smart and strategic. (there is also a nice map at the beginning of the book, so you can't get lost)
But when his Men bring in a wounded woman who not only looks foreign but also knows about his identity and his life, Forsyth will have to rethink not only his role in this world but also the idea he has about his self.
Now brace yourselves: Pip is not just any damsel in distress. She is a Reader! Meaning that she got sucked into Forsyth's world, which is none other than a book! The details are quite a spoiler so, if you know evil mini-me, then you have to read the book in order to learn more.
The whole story is an adventure which actually takes all the stereotypes we have about high fantasy novels, deconstructs them, reforms them and then we have the author adding new, more exciting details about everything and everyone! If you are a good YA reader then I can assure you that Frey can deliver a story with critism but also with romance, fighting and humor.
The character I liked most was Forsyth. He is the main POV of the book and through his eyes we learn about Pip, who has dedicated her life reading the book series Forsyth is in. He is always surprised about the way she thinks and silently he falls for her, which I found quite cute. It was nice to have a noble man in a story who did not have the caveman attitude and actually cared about the female character.
Although Forsyth is quite a strong character he always doubts himself, has low self-esteem and self confidence since he had to endure his life under the shadow of his older brother who is the type of the alpha-male knight. His brother also is a jerk, but I will bypass it for now.
What makes even more amazing the plot in this book, is the faint feeling I got when reading it. It felt like I was watching "The Princess Bride" both the movie and the book, not to mention the reference of the phrase "As you wish" in the story. Adding to that the fact that Ivy was transported into a bookish world and you have me recommending the book to every person I know!
There was also a small fantasy of me traveling to the world of "Throne of Glass" series but after seeing what Pip got through, I did rethink about it. Not always do you get to become who you think in a bookish world and the evil guy can be even more sadistic than he looks like.
"The Untold Tale" is a three book series and after reading the ending I have quite high expectations about the sequels. I am sure that J. M. Frey will blow my mind again and I am crossing my fingers wishing for more adventures for Forsyth and Pip!