Helpful Score: 6
This is the first book in the Deverry series and sets up the story. I adore this book and have read it several times (usually during a reread when the newest book in the series came out).
Helpful Score: 5
This is a fantastic fantasy! Ms. Kerr created a great world with interesting magic and very believable characters. The story is very epic and I can see why it should be told over several books, but the first one told a complete story arc. I hate it when novels leave you with a cliff hanger. Daggerspell wrapped up most threads nicely yet it allows the greater adventure to continue.
The only part I had a hard time with was how to say the names & places. They're based on Celtic & Welsh, which have a lot of double consonants and W's and Y's in odd places. The beginning of the book has a pronunciation guide but I still had trouble imagining how to say many things. Maybe if you've studied the language, or at least heard it spoken first it would make more sense. This isn't too much of a drawback, though, because most of the time when I read fantasy I have to come up with my own way of saying something because many fantasy names are odd to begin with.
All in all, a great find! I can't wait to read more in the series.
The only part I had a hard time with was how to say the names & places. They're based on Celtic & Welsh, which have a lot of double consonants and W's and Y's in odd places. The beginning of the book has a pronunciation guide but I still had trouble imagining how to say many things. Maybe if you've studied the language, or at least heard it spoken first it would make more sense. This isn't too much of a drawback, though, because most of the time when I read fantasy I have to come up with my own way of saying something because many fantasy names are odd to begin with.
All in all, a great find! I can't wait to read more in the series.
