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  • There's a flaw with the rating system here - four stars are too few to capture nuance in ratings. Ah well. We live in an imperfect world.

    This book is OK. I'd say it's a three out of 5 star rating, maybe even just 2.5. It really isn't a spectacular novel, but it's pretty good (not Quite Good ... Continue

    There's a flaw with the rating system here - four stars are too few to capture nuance in ratings. Ah well. We live in an imperfect world.

    This book is OK. I'd say it's a three out of 5 star rating, maybe even just 2.5. It really isn't a spectacular novel, but it's pretty good (not Quite Good). The story of an unknown who follows his destiny and thwarts evil villains has been done. And done and DONE. But this had a few interesting, creative qualities and I've been tempted to buy more J.V. Jones, so that's a recommendation of sorts.

    Just beware - it's a first novel (I think) and the plotting isn't super-tight, the writing isn't as smooth as she later executes in her second entry in this series. But, it's an interesting read and I've definitely thought of it a few times since I've read it (only read this one once), so take this hesitant recommendation as you will.

    

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• ― guaddess said on Jul 29, 2007 | Add your feedback

The first novel in a brilliantly crafted trilogy. As the King of the Four Kingdoms lays dying, traitorous conspirators prepare a political marriage to ensure their control of the crown. But the young Melliandra refuses to betroth a sinister Prince and flees the castle in the company of a miracle-working kitchen apprentice.

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