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shona_lynne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
hanseah's review against another edition
5.0
A Great Read
Adventure and life lessons are packed tightly into this wonderful story. A Life lesson dealing with the importance of living a life where hope and not despair take part in your thoughts. A life full of dark thoughts leads to a life filled with darkness. However, by bringing hope and light into your thoughts, plays a part in your life choices and experiences. I enjoyed the unfolding story of the Bard and look forward to continuing with the next book in the series.
Adventure and life lessons are packed tightly into this wonderful story. A Life lesson dealing with the importance of living a life where hope and not despair take part in your thoughts. A life full of dark thoughts leads to a life filled with darkness. However, by bringing hope and light into your thoughts, plays a part in your life choices and experiences. I enjoyed the unfolding story of the Bard and look forward to continuing with the next book in the series.
humanignorance's review against another edition
2.0
The premise had some small promise, but the potential was unrealized through the book’s plodding travel sections and uninteresting action sequences.
a_bookish_monster's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bkmorales's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the premise of the book. It did drag in parts and was not intriguing enough for me to read the rest of the series. Really more like 2.5 stars, but that is not an option.
justasking27's review against another edition
3.0
This book had so much potential - the story, the setting, the characters, everything was set up to be amazing. I felt that it just needed one more read by an editor to really be fantastic.
It's well-written and though a little slow to start, does pick up the pace later. However, there's a lot of repetition - sometimes with slight differences, which is confusing - and a focus on details that I think could be skipped entirely (I appreciate that the characters have to pee in chamber pots, but there's a reason that most books don't mention that).
If you are looking for a decent story with a gorgeous Celtic setting where you can let your imagination run wild, and don't worry too much about details of the plot, then I'd recommend this book. And now that I know what to expect, I'll likely read the sequel as well.
It's well-written and though a little slow to start, does pick up the pace later. However, there's a lot of repetition - sometimes with slight differences, which is confusing - and a focus on details that I think could be skipped entirely (I appreciate that the characters have to pee in chamber pots, but there's a reason that most books don't mention that).
If you are looking for a decent story with a gorgeous Celtic setting where you can let your imagination run wild, and don't worry too much about details of the plot, then I'd recommend this book. And now that I know what to expect, I'll likely read the sequel as well.
jacquihutton001's review against another edition
4.0
Easy read, enjoyed it, may continue with the series in the future
nickel_8990's review against another edition
4.0
// I received a free copy of this book through LibraryThing's Members Giveaway program. //
In the next few moments, it is my job to convince you to spend your hard earned money and spare time purchasing and reading this book. So, I will simply say that Muse is a well written, adventure fantasy with likable characters and a captivating plot.
Need more prodding? Okay.
Quillinan's attention to detail is commendable, especially when it comes to the characters' names. Google Fiachra after you've finished reading, and you'll see what I mean.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy novel where the main character wasn't a thief, soldier, or member of a royal family. Diarmuid is actually a pretty awful bard, considering he was destined for the profession, because his pretentious nature keeps him from connecting to his audience. That same trait also makes him an awfully annoying person. All of that being said, I actually found myself liking him. He definitely has faults, but they made him feel more realistic, which made him easier to relate to.
There are a few grammatical errors here and there but only a few, and they were definitely not indicative of the writing in the rest of the book. I only point this out because it can take you out of the story and was one of the reasons I didn't give the book the full five stars.
Bottom line, Muse is an entertaining Celtic, adventure fantasy that I will definitely be recommending to friends. I look forward to reading the next books in the Silver Downs series and anything else Mrs. Quillinan should choose to write.
In the next few moments, it is my job to convince you to spend your hard earned money and spare time purchasing and reading this book. So, I will simply say that Muse is a well written, adventure fantasy with likable characters and a captivating plot.
Need more prodding? Okay.
Quillinan's attention to detail is commendable, especially when it comes to the characters' names. Google Fiachra after you've finished reading, and you'll see what I mean.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy novel where the main character wasn't a thief, soldier, or member of a royal family. Diarmuid is actually a pretty awful bard, considering he was destined for the profession, because his pretentious nature keeps him from connecting to his audience. That same trait also makes him an awfully annoying person. All of that being said, I actually found myself liking him. He definitely has faults, but they made him feel more realistic, which made him easier to relate to.
There are a few grammatical errors here and there but only a few, and they were definitely not indicative of the writing in the rest of the book. I only point this out because it can take you out of the story and was one of the reasons I didn't give the book the full five stars.
Bottom line, Muse is an entertaining Celtic, adventure fantasy that I will definitely be recommending to friends. I look forward to reading the next books in the Silver Downs series and anything else Mrs. Quillinan should choose to write.
gwydion's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of this book for free with a request to post a review.
The story began really slow with a hero who was not particularly likable. After several chapters the story finally picked up and I began to enjoy the plot. My problem is the hero never learned, never attempted to change never even solved the problem on his own, but completely relied on others. I don't need a happy ending but I want to see something develop with the character during the tale.
The story began really slow with a hero who was not particularly likable. After several chapters the story finally picked up and I began to enjoy the plot. My problem is the hero never learned, never attempted to change never even solved the problem on his own, but completely relied on others. I don't need a happy ending but I want to see something develop with the character during the tale.