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Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN num: 9780441016365
ISBN number: 0441016367
Label: Ace Hardcover
Manufacturer: Ace Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 416
Printing Date: November 04, 2008
Publishing house: Ace Hardcover
Sale Popularity Level: 32606
Studio: Ace Hardcover
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
The compelling new novel in the national bestselling “superior fantasy series” (Publishing houses Weekly).
National bestselling author Sharon Shinn’s “lyrical and entertaining” (Kirkus Reviews) Twelve Houses books have captivated readers and critics alike with their irresistible cocktail of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Now Shinn returns with a new novel set in the same world, where a troubled Warrior Rider named Wen faces her greatest challenge in the last place she ever expected: behind the walls of a great family estate known as Fortune, where Wen has been hired to guard the young heiress. Once there, she will find that fate has other plans for her…
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Rated by buyers -
Wen used to be a Rider, one of the elite group of warriors that protected the King. But the king died, and the war is over, and Wen doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere. After a bit of aimless roaming she comes to the Fortunegrass estate - formerly home of the kingdom's most notorious traitors, now in the care of a 16 year old girl and her scholarly ward, Sir Jared. The last thing Wen wants is someone depending on her, but Sir Jared is desperately in need of a few good guards.
This is a sequel of sorts to the set of Thirteen Houses books, but is obviously set apart - new characters, new bad guys, and very little of the old gang from the original quartet. I wouldn't say this is a bad thing, and I was certainly happy to see more of Wen, who had a minor but memorable role in Reader & Ralnyx. I almost with it had been distanced more from the original series. Appearances by familiar characters seemed unnecessary, and will probabaly just confuse new readers.
I found Fortune and Fate not quite as enjoyable as the previous books - partly because of Wen, whose self-loathing for most of the book is less then fun, even when it's understandable. Still, this a worthwhile continuation of a good series.
Rated by buyers -
Let me preface this by saying that Sharon Shinn is an amazing author. She could write about anything and make it lyrical and eloquent. But the Twelve Houses just haven't held me like her other books have, and this newest addition is no exception. It's a well told tale, and I very much enjoyed it. But in comparison to some of her other writing, it doesn't shine. I can't pinpoint what it is, but perhaps it lacks the immediacy, magnitude and urgency of some of her other works? It's interesting, but you lack the sense that this is really important, that anything particularly meaningful is at stake. While Karryn is in danger, it doesn't seem as important as the danger in some of her other books. Overall, the world of the Twelve Houses is just too placid. I still recommend this book, and I'll pass it on to my friends. I still will read anything and everything that Ms. Shinn writes. I just hope that she is able to revive the tone of some of her earlier works.
Rated by buyers -
Shinn returns to her series of light romantic fantasies set in Gillengaria for the fifth time with this story about Wen, the feisty, tough, single-maided King's Rider who is having difficulties dealing with failing to keep the King from death (the sole purpose of a loyal Rider), and her one-sided love of Rider Justin coming to naught with his marriage.
Wen has been wandering Gillengaria in the two years since the King's death, trying to make up for her failings by saving others, but avoiding making close contacts with anyone. But that changes when she comes across a frightened girl in a tavern and saves her from what turns out to have been a kidnapping. The girl turns out to be the young heir to Fortunault. Her father was one of the leaders of the lords who rebelled against the King and was subsequently killed. Despite trying to continue her lonely self-exile, Wen finds herself sucked into the doings of Fortunault and the heir and her guardian, using her much-needed skills as a Rider to build up the house guard so the girl won't be so endangered again.
Familiar characters from the previous books appear, and we see how Cammon, the new Queen's consort is faring. He gathers Tayse and Senneth, as well as Justin and Donnal and Kirra--the original six companions that kicked off the series--for a sort of pre-tour of the southern Houses to see if it safe for the Queen to travel.
It is probably recommended that a reader start at the beginning of the series rather than hop in with this book. Readers of the series should enjoy seeing more of what they have enjoyed previously about the Twelve Houses books. There are no huge kingdom-threatening events, no new aspects of the world or the magic or the characters are introduced. Like the other books, it focuses on the life and love of the main character, and does so in a pleasant and interesting manner.
Rated by buyers -
The ending was obvious, a little boring at times, however the finale was worth it. It was getting there that was a little disappointing.
Rated by buyers -
Great action, magic, plausible love interest, incredible angst regarding a soldier's duty. In short, Ms. Shinn can still write a great novel. The only thing I didn't like was the switch to Senneth's point of view every few chapters, without warning. I realize the need for the background story, and the secret of Wen finally being disclosed. However, it seemed to disrupt the flow of Wen's story.
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