Scan barcode
english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
It took me a long time to get through this book. Over a year, when I usually finish Epic Fantasy novels in a couple of months, or not at all if I don't like them. This is not to say it was bad, but because I kept leaving it aside to read other things, and often, just did not have the time.
As historical Fantasy, set in a country very much like Medieval Ireland, this was very good. I personally though found the Irish/Gaelic names with original spelling made it a little hardgoing. It seems the intended audience were Young Adults, but I think it was a good read for adults as well.
My only complaint was that, at times, it seemed a little over-complicated and hard to follow at times. Maybe I was just reading too fast, or not paying enough attention, but there was plenty of action as well as hint of Romance, as well as moral development which is sometimes lacking in stories like this.
The depiction of creatures from Irish Mythology created an interesting spin. Recommended for Fantasy lovers.
As historical Fantasy, set in a country very much like Medieval Ireland, this was very good. I personally though found the Irish/Gaelic names with original spelling made it a little hardgoing. It seems the intended audience were Young Adults, but I think it was a good read for adults as well.
My only complaint was that, at times, it seemed a little over-complicated and hard to follow at times. Maybe I was just reading too fast, or not paying enough attention, but there was plenty of action as well as hint of Romance, as well as moral development which is sometimes lacking in stories like this.
The depiction of creatures from Irish Mythology created an interesting spin. Recommended for Fantasy lovers.
melmo2610's review against another edition
3.0
Fantasy typically isn’t my genre of choice, but I decided to give this series a try due to reviews from friends. While I didn’t love the story, I did like it and I’m definitely going to see it through to the conclusion to see what happens. I did enjoy the Biblical parallels and the characters Carla has crafted for the story. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
rgyger's review against another edition
4.0
What first stood out to me about Oath of the Brotherhood was that it was based off of Scottish culture, rather than a medieval England as so many other fantasies are today. It was interesting to see how Laureano brought in the clan system to her world, though there are not as many clan rivalries as I would have hoped. Another element of history brought into the story was the persecution of the Balians, reminiscent of the Christian persecutions in Rome. The history nerd in me loved pulling out the comparisons.
Conor is a great hero in that he strives to do the will of Balus in all that he does. And if he gets too cocky, Comdiu makes sure to remind him who is in charge of his future. Aine often had to remember that too, and it was a good reminder for myself as well. The way the characters interacted with Comdiu was a relationship which every Christian should strive to have with God.
What kept me from absolutely adoring this book was Conor's abilities. He seemed to be perfect at everything, whether it was music or fighting or speaking different languages. It seemed odd that Conner could go from insisting he was not capable of learning to fight (though he had never touched a sword), to being one of the best fighters there was. While he could not fire a bow, it seemed almost like a token see-he-can't-do-everything.
I have the second book, Beneath the Forsaken City, and plan to start reading it soon. Hopefully it will be just as good as this.
Conor is a great hero in that he strives to do the will of Balus in all that he does. And if he gets too cocky, Comdiu makes sure to remind him who is in charge of his future. Aine often had to remember that too, and it was a good reminder for myself as well. The way the characters interacted with Comdiu was a relationship which every Christian should strive to have with God.
What kept me from absolutely adoring this book was Conor's abilities. He seemed to be perfect at everything, whether it was music or fighting or speaking different languages. It seemed odd that Conner could go from insisting he was not capable of learning to fight (though he had never touched a sword), to being one of the best fighters there was. While he could not fire a bow, it seemed almost like a token see-he-can't-do-everything.
I have the second book, Beneath the Forsaken City, and plan to start reading it soon. Hopefully it will be just as good as this.
vanessaedwards1882's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
morgangiesbrecht's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
Wow…I’m not sure I can say all that I think about this book and do it justice! Frankly, I loved it! (And the cover is stunning!)
It took me a few chapters to warm up to the story and figure out some of the world building, but then I was hooked.
The mixing of fantasy with real Celtic history and legend, along with Christianity was fascinating and very well done. Laureano was true to certain historical facts but still created a vivid fantasy world. The faith aspects were strong with a beautiful message. There was some magic, but it was almost presented as a type of “spiritual gift” for lack of a better term; and the Druid’s bad magic was clearly condemned.
All the Celtic names were fascinating…however, there is a three-page character list at the beginning of the book, and I didn’t take the time to check the pronunciation of every name. So I know I’m probably slaughtering the pronunciations in my head. *hangs head in shame* I did need the list a few times to remember who was who.
The characters particularly the MCs were great; Eoghan (I think I spelled that right?) was an amazing friend to Coner…like incredible. I’m eager for more of his story.
The plot kept me engaged, and I pretty much didn’t put the book down for the last 3/4’s of the story.
The ending felt a little rushed in parts, and I still have some questions that I need answers to pretty much ASAP! ;)
Beautiful Quote:
“As Labhrás liked to say, important men demanded respect. Great men earned it.”
Content: nondescript kissing; “bastard” is used to refer to a illegitimate son; unmarried man and woman share a mattress, man is injured nothing happens, and there is a chaperone
Wow…I’m not sure I can say all that I think about this book and do it justice! Frankly, I loved it! (And the cover is stunning!)
It took me a few chapters to warm up to the story and figure out some of the world building, but then I was hooked.
The mixing of fantasy with real Celtic history and legend, along with Christianity was fascinating and very well done. Laureano was true to certain historical facts but still created a vivid fantasy world. The faith aspects were strong with a beautiful message. There was some magic, but it was almost presented as a type of “spiritual gift” for lack of a better term; and the Druid’s bad magic was clearly condemned.
All the Celtic names were fascinating…however, there is a three-page character list at the beginning of the book, and I didn’t take the time to check the pronunciation of every name. So I know I’m probably slaughtering the pronunciations in my head. *hangs head in shame* I did need the list a few times to remember who was who.
The characters particularly the MCs were great; Eoghan (I think I spelled that right?) was an amazing friend to Coner…like incredible. I’m eager for more of his story.
The plot kept me engaged, and I pretty much didn’t put the book down for the last 3/4’s of the story.
The ending felt a little rushed in parts, and I still have some questions that I need answers to pretty much ASAP! ;)
Beautiful Quote:
“As Labhrás liked to say, important men demanded respect. Great men earned it.”
Content: nondescript kissing; “bastard” is used to refer to a illegitimate son; unmarried man and woman share a mattress, man is injured nothing happens, and there is a chaperone
katemarie99's review against another edition
4.0
The Song of Seare trilogy follows a young man named Conor Mac Nir and his journey to overcome the evil threatening his world, and, on a more personal level, Conor's journey as a man.
In the first book in the trilogy, The Oath of the Brotherhood, we meet Conor Mac Nir, a puny, scholarly boy who has powerful gifts as a musician. Conor does not really seem to fit in anywhere. When Conor's foster father dies, Conor fakes his own death to cover his trail and joins the Firein, a group of monk-like "brothers" - the difference being that the otherwise monastic brotherhood are trained in the fighting arts as well as spiritual disciplines. But Conor soon grows restless and wants to leave the brotherhood to do something about the darkness that has begun to threaten the outside world. Finally, Conor leaves Ard Dhaimin, to join Calhoun Mac Cuilinn's army. Calhoun is the older half-brother of Aine, a beautiful young girl Conor felt an immediate connection to, and fell in love with in the short time he stayed with her family before joining the brotherhood. Aine, in Conor's absence, has developed her own unique gifts and has gained renown for her incredible healing abilities. When Aine is kidnapped, Conor risks everything to save her and the two are reunited and married aboard a ship that they hope will carry them to a new life.
This first book really sets the stage nicely for the other two books to come. It's a little slow in the beginning but interest really soars when Conor joins the brotherhood and really becomes a hero worth cheering for. I have to say, when a character is described as puny, it kind of gives you a mental picture of that character that is irreversible, even if the we are told that the character really beefs up later on in the story (which, of course, they always do, because where's the attraction in a guy who does not have bulging biceps and a perfect six pack?). Fortunately for Laureano, this is not the case with Conor; his progression from wimpy boy to muscular man is slow enough and convincing enough that your not permanently stuck thinking of Conor as that toothpick-limbed guy we envision when we were first introduced to him.
In the second book in The Song of Seare Trilogy, Beneath the Forsaken City, Conor and Aine have been separated in a storm at sea and now must pursue separate journeys. Conor is made a slave but is set free and escapes with one of his fellow captives, Prince Talfryn, there under cover to save Conor. As his honored guest, Conor remains with Talfryn while he awaits news of Aine. But while there he comes up against unforeseen obstacles - things are not what they seem within the kingdom. Briallu, the only daughter of his friend, holds a strange attraction for Conor that he struggles to resist. Aine makes her way to her native land, where her aunt is currently in power and magic of all kinds - such as Aine now wields with more power than ever - is held in extreme suspicion. While some welcome Aine back, or grow to love her, her aunt's veiled dislike of her serves to make her even more lonely and distraught. Aine struggles desperately against doubt and confusion, and is bewildered when attempts on her life become disturbingly frequent and there seem to be veiled threats on every side. Aine no longer knows who she can trust. Both of their paths eventually lead them both back to Seare, however, and Aine and Conor are finally reunited once more.
Beneath the Forsaken City builds well on the first book. Separating Conor and Aine the way she does is a masterful move on Laureano's part - it allows readers a chance to get to know them as individuals, apart from one another, something we got to do in Oath of the Brotherhood with Conor, obviously, but not as much with Aine, and since her role is only increasing, it's important that we really get behind Aine. This is the closest thing to a flaw that I foresee for this trilogy. That we won't ever get to know Aine enough to ever like her. Honestly, when we first met her back in Oath of the Brotherhood, she never appealed to me. I like her better in this book, but the connection between her and the reader is not as strong as it should be - something Laureano will have to remedy quickly if she wishes to redeem Aine.
That is the trouble with reserved, sweet characters. While the writer may just think of them as quiet or shy, or just kindhearted and compassionate, they come across to the reader as boring and dull, lacking life and personality. Such characters give us very little reason to get behind them, to laugh when they laugh and cry when they cry, because we don't really know what would make them laugh or cry. They have remained so aloof and distant, hiding behind that facade of reserve or kindness, that We The Reader don't really know them at all.
In the last book in the Song of Seare Trilogy, The Sword and the Song, Aine and Conor are reunited in Ard Dhaimin and the future is looking bright for them. The couple is expecting their first child, they are happy, and Ard Dhaimin has become a refuge for many fleeing the darkness and danger that has become rampant in Seare. But it soons becomes apparent that everything is not as perfect as it seems. Eoghan, Conor's closest friend, is the fulfillment of the prophecy, and as such, he should be taking leadership of the Firein. But Eoghan is hesitant to step up, which causes friction between Conor and him. Eoghan reached out to Conor when he first arrived friendless in Ard Dhaimin, Eoghan mentored and trained Conor until he became a better swordsman than Eoghan himself, Eoghan risked severe punishment to leave Ard Dhaimin and help Conor, saving his life, and Eoghan saved Aine's life when she returned to Seare after struggling with doubt and defeat in her homeland. So the bond between the two men is still strong... but it's strength is being tested. Especially as it becomes more and more obvious to everyone, Conor, Aine, and Eoghan himself, that Eoghan is falling for Aine - the pregnant wife of his best friend. Conor has thought of a way to protect Seare and fight back against the Red Druid, Diarmuid - but it requires leaving Ard Dhaimin. He gets back in plenty of time to witness the birth of his child - but almost as soon as he returns, he has to leave again. On an even longer journey this time. Conor's mission is almost complete when Diarmuid attacks Ard Dhaimin. His goal is to kidnap Aine's soon-to-be born, specially gifted child. Because of Aine's growing powers, she is able to communicate mentally with Conor - but he is experiencing difficulty as well: he has been badly wounded, and help cannot reach him. In an unexpected twist, Conor's foster sister who has been living in Ard Dhaimin, once a confederate of Diarmuid, turns on him suddenly, killing him. But it is too late for Conor. With his last words, he names the son he wanted to desperately to witness the birth of, the son he so desperately wanted to be a good father to, the son he will now never meet... his son is born only minutes later.
Wow. I did not even see this ending coming. It is superb. I was so close to tears. I've read a lot of books, a lot of endings, a lot of good endings, even. But I don't know that I've ever read an ending quite like this one. It is unique and so oddly moving. I think because it really is very surprising. Conor is so very afraid that if he dies, Aine and Eoghan will be together and forget him, that you never think that that will actually happen! You just assume that because they want it so much, because Conor and Aine deserve it so much after all they have been through, all the separation and pain and doubting each other and not knowing if the other is even alive, and feeling unworthy of the other's love, you just naturally assume that they will get that happy ending... You want them to have that happy ending. You want Conor so see his son. You want them to be able to be a family. And so it is really depressing when Conor dies when he is so close to achieving this dream.
This last book really highlights Conor's strength as a character. He has become the hero. And that is something I find rather fascinating: Conor didn't start out the hero that you were hoping for - he becomes that hero. You really begin to see his depth in this last book, his brokenness and disappointment with himself, his frustration and anger as he starts to really snap and kind of lose his grip on sanity. I don't believe there's any such thing as a completely sane hero anyway:)
Aine, though, actually regressed, in my opinion. She effectively loses all the ground she gained in the second book.
Overall, this last book was not only by far the best but was a great way to end the series; Laureano got better with each succeeding book.
For more reviews like this one, check out my blog at http://storyanddarkchocolate.blogspot.com/
katherinejensen00's review against another edition
4.0
Epic
This book takes some patience as there are a lot of people and places described in the first bit, but that patience is rewarded with a pretty epic and exciting tale. I enjoyed the the themes of faith, love, duty, discipline, and sacrifice. It also has a great love story and lots of adventure.
This book takes some patience as there are a lot of people and places described in the first bit, but that patience is rewarded with a pretty epic and exciting tale. I enjoyed the the themes of faith, love, duty, discipline, and sacrifice. It also has a great love story and lots of adventure.
katherinejensen00's review against another edition
4.0
Epic
This book takes some patience as there are a lot of people and places described in the first bit, but that patience is rewarded with a pretty epic and exciting tale. I enjoyed the the themes of faith, love, duty, discipline, and sacrifice. It also has a great love story and lots of adventure.
This book takes some patience as there are a lot of people and places described in the first bit, but that patience is rewarded with a pretty epic and exciting tale. I enjoyed the the themes of faith, love, duty, discipline, and sacrifice. It also has a great love story and lots of adventure.
travelerswife4life's review against another edition
4.0
This book was fantastic in its complexity. I have never read a book by Carla Laureano before, even though I know she is a well-known Christian Fiction romance author. I just have not picked up her books. Now I am definitely going back and reading them. In this fantasy novel, I found so much depth, intrigue, and growth. The characters were very well laid out, had fantastic arcs, and the first part of the story was told from a male POV, which I had never read before.
The world in which Carla Laureano immersed me was like no other. I loved the Isle of Seare and how it was intricately built through the pages, and I liked the different cultures of the four different kingdoms. I for one have always been fascinated by our faith in a theological sense and I loved how Carla Laureano wove different aspects of it into this story. It added a touch of realism that was interesting.
Overall, this book was one fantastic read that left me breathless with wanting more (bring on the next book soon please!), had some twists I did not see coming and filled me with a sense of wonder. I definitely recommend putting this one on your soon to be read list. 4 out of 5 stars!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
The world in which Carla Laureano immersed me was like no other. I loved the Isle of Seare and how it was intricately built through the pages, and I liked the different cultures of the four different kingdoms. I for one have always been fascinated by our faith in a theological sense and I loved how Carla Laureano wove different aspects of it into this story. It added a touch of realism that was interesting.
Overall, this book was one fantastic read that left me breathless with wanting more (bring on the next book soon please!), had some twists I did not see coming and filled me with a sense of wonder. I definitely recommend putting this one on your soon to be read list. 4 out of 5 stars!
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
adamdavidcollings's review against another edition
4.0
Oath of the Brotherhood is the story of Conor Mac Nir - son of a king but raised by an adoptive father. He is highly educated and gifted at music, but possess little skill when it comes to the sword. Sent as a political hostage to cement a treaty his life looks to be going nowhere, but when tragedy strikes his homeland, he is forced onto a new path that will take him into the trust of a mysterious brotherhood.
The world of this book seems to be based on Scotland. The names of people and places sound Scottish. The action all takes place on Isle of Seare, but the map in the front shows another island - hinting at a bigger world to be explored in the series. The island has four distinct nations, which brings plenty of tension. The brotherhood Fascinated me - such a capable group of people - yet they hold strictly to a non-interference policy - hearkening to the prime directive of Star Trek.
Conor didn't feel like an average fantasy hero. He was a very capable and gifted person - yet in the culture he lived his skills were seen as worthless. His transformation while with the brotherhood was extreme - but didn't seem unnatural. I was drawn to the character of Aine. She served as a love interest for Conor, but she was much more than that. She had her own story, which continued after she and Conor were separated. Their relationship - one of immediate connection, followed by the building of a solid friendship that naturally developed into more was satisfying and believable. In fact, it reminded me of my early relationship with my wife.
The spiritual framework of this world was a mirror of Christianity. God and Jesus were present but with different names. This is common in Christian fantasy, but I don't think I've seen it done quite like this. At one point, we hear a character tell a parable of Balus - very similar to one of Jesus' parables recorded in the Bible. I thought that was cool.
The magic system in this book was interesting, though perhaps a tad under-utilised, but I'm sure we'll see more as the series goes on. Magical powers were attributed to the "Christian" characters - essentially like giftings of the Holy Spirit - but on overdrive. Magic is often attributed to anti-christian characters these days, and even portrayed as evil, so it was fascinating to see magic portrayed as a specifically Christian attribute. There was also a druid who possessed different kinds of powers though he was villain. The use of music in the magic system was especially interesting. Certainly in the real world music has a power over us, but in the world of this book, that is meant in a literal rather than a figurative sense. Music has great power in the book's world - and I am looking forward to seeing how this concept is developed.
C.E. Laureano has created the beginnings of a fascinating Christian fantasy with this book. It stands tall on its own but invites us to continue the journey.
The world of this book seems to be based on Scotland. The names of people and places sound Scottish. The action all takes place on Isle of Seare, but the map in the front shows another island - hinting at a bigger world to be explored in the series. The island has four distinct nations, which brings plenty of tension. The brotherhood Fascinated me - such a capable group of people - yet they hold strictly to a non-interference policy - hearkening to the prime directive of Star Trek.
Conor didn't feel like an average fantasy hero. He was a very capable and gifted person - yet in the culture he lived his skills were seen as worthless. His transformation while with the brotherhood was extreme - but didn't seem unnatural. I was drawn to the character of Aine. She served as a love interest for Conor, but she was much more than that. She had her own story, which continued after she and Conor were separated. Their relationship - one of immediate connection, followed by the building of a solid friendship that naturally developed into more was satisfying and believable. In fact, it reminded me of my early relationship with my wife.
The spiritual framework of this world was a mirror of Christianity. God and Jesus were present but with different names. This is common in Christian fantasy, but I don't think I've seen it done quite like this. At one point, we hear a character tell a parable of Balus - very similar to one of Jesus' parables recorded in the Bible. I thought that was cool.
The magic system in this book was interesting, though perhaps a tad under-utilised, but I'm sure we'll see more as the series goes on. Magical powers were attributed to the "Christian" characters - essentially like giftings of the Holy Spirit - but on overdrive. Magic is often attributed to anti-christian characters these days, and even portrayed as evil, so it was fascinating to see magic portrayed as a specifically Christian attribute. There was also a druid who possessed different kinds of powers though he was villain. The use of music in the magic system was especially interesting. Certainly in the real world music has a power over us, but in the world of this book, that is meant in a literal rather than a figurative sense. Music has great power in the book's world - and I am looking forward to seeing how this concept is developed.
C.E. Laureano has created the beginnings of a fascinating Christian fantasy with this book. It stands tall on its own but invites us to continue the journey.