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skycrane's review against another edition
5.0
What a lovely book. Part novel of manners, part romance, part political thriller, it was a very enjoyable read. I think the development of the setting was my favorite aspect. Even though I'm still not entirely sure where the book takes place (an imaginary principality somewhere in the Alps, maybe on the Upper Rhine?) and I was constantly changing my guess for the date (thankfully the author mentions a year near the end), but even without either there's still a very strong sense of the specific society, culture, and religion the characters exist in.
Coming back to this after having read the next three novels, I think what strikes me about the romance is the way each book's central pair reflects the main magic in the book. This is a book about religious mysteries, going through the right forms and motions and being granted a miracle in return. And that's what the love between Margerit and Barbara is. They need each other, and are brought together by some external force, call it coincidence, fate, or magic. And what's neat is how that changes in each of the following books.
Coming back to this after having read the next three novels, I think what strikes me about the romance is the way each book's central pair reflects the main magic in the book. This is a book about religious mysteries, going through the right forms and motions and being granted a miracle in return. And that's what the love between Margerit and Barbara is. They need each other, and are brought together by some external force, call it coincidence, fate, or magic. And what's neat is how that changes in each of the following books.
jackiehorne's review against another edition
4.0
http://romancenovelsforfeminists.blogspot.com/2016/02/heather-rose-jones-daughter-of-mystery.html
kivt's review against another edition
5.0
Well written, interesting magic system, pretty well paced romance! Loved it and looking forward to more.
eletricjb's review against another edition
4.0
Wooooooooow, I did NOT expect the excess of Catholic mythology when I picked this up. (It's gotta be Catholic, right? What with all the saint worshipping.) I'm a sucker for a sworn sword romance, and I have never actually seen a gay one that was executed so well. So. I skimmed the mystery stuff, but the character stuff was great. Now I finally see why people like romance novels.
druv's review against another edition
4.0
This reminded me a lot of one of my favourite books, [b:The Curse of Chalion|61886|The Curse of Chalion (Chalion, #1)|Lois McMaster Bujold|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322571773s/61886.jpg|1129349], in that it has a nice balance between female protagonists exploring the boundaries imposed on them, court intrigue, and miraculous theology.
I really enjoyed the interplay and relationship between the two main characters and their struggles with social mores that exist to keep women down, which forms the core of the story and is thoroughly enjoyable. There's a lot going on, and sadly that makes the antagonists a bit poorly developed, but I find that a minor quibble.
Just like Curse of Chalion, it seems like the sequel will focus on a side character in difficult circumstances - I will pick it up immediately.
I really enjoyed the interplay and relationship between the two main characters and their struggles with social mores that exist to keep women down, which forms the core of the story and is thoroughly enjoyable. There's a lot going on, and sadly that makes the antagonists a bit poorly developed, but I find that a minor quibble.
Just like Curse of Chalion, it seems like the sequel will focus on a side character in difficult circumstances - I will pick it up immediately.
diav's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 out of 5 stars
Slow burn at its finest!! I'm usually not one for fantasy books (I am partial to a good historical setting), but this was a very good read. It took me a while to get into (maybe about 6 chapters in) but the set up was worth it in the end! If you enjoy historical fantasies with political intrigue and romance, put this book on your list. While it takes a while for things to really take off, I really liked how the book is told from alternating points of views. The romance isn't the forefront of the plot but the political intrigue, along with the religion/magical elements, make it worth the read. Definitely going to check out the other books in the series!
Slow burn at its finest!! I'm usually not one for fantasy books (I am partial to a good historical setting), but this was a very good read. It took me a while to get into (maybe about 6 chapters in) but the set up was worth it in the end! If you enjoy historical fantasies with political intrigue and romance, put this book on your list. While it takes a while for things to really take off, I really liked how the book is told from alternating points of views. The romance isn't the forefront of the plot but the political intrigue, along with the religion/magical elements, make it worth the read. Definitely going to check out the other books in the series!
qalminator's review against another edition
4.0
The best way I can describe this book is with an odd mix of images. Start with Swordspoint, and make the protagonists female. Put them in a (fictional?) European country that is brimming with political intrigue. Sprinkle with a dash of magic based on Christian mystery rites through the saints. Now give the protagonists impressively convoluted back stories (one of which is only fully revealed near the very end of the book).
Very enjoyable, though the pace drags in a few places. It picks up again quickly, however, and by the end, it felt like I was just racing to get through and find out what happened.
Recommended.
Very enjoyable, though the pace drags in a few places. It picks up again quickly, however, and by the end, it felt like I was just racing to get through and find out what happened.
Recommended.
mundinova's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the writing, hated the pacing of the story.
It took a few pages, but once I got into the writing style and language this book became a joy to read. It's really obvious Jones is a linguist. A large part of the story has to do with a magic system built around Christianity and an invented language. Jones's writing reminded me of Tolkien or Neal Stephenson, where the invented language plays a big part in the story.
Now for the downside: oh man, was this drawn out! So many details were included. Which at first was really cool, it helped build the world, but after a while, I got bored with all the specifics. The story could have been snappier.
I also wanted more romance! Get these two lovers together already!
Story: 3 stars
Character Development: 2 stars
Writing: 4 stars
It took a few pages, but once I got into the writing style and language this book became a joy to read. It's really obvious Jones is a linguist. A large part of the story has to do with a magic system built around Christianity and an invented language. Jones's writing reminded me of Tolkien or Neal Stephenson, where the invented language plays a big part in the story.
Now for the downside: oh man, was this drawn out! So many details were included. Which at first was really cool, it helped build the world, but after a while, I got bored with all the specifics. The story could have been snappier.
I also wanted more romance! Get these two lovers together already!
Story: 3 stars
Character Development: 2 stars
Writing: 4 stars
zefrien's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5