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Title: Reader and Raelynx (The Twelve Houses | Book 4) |
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Review of Reader and Raelynx (The Twelve Houses, Book 4)
- In this novel of secret sorceries and forbidden desires, the mystic Cammon must put aside his personal feelings for Princess Amalie while he reads the souls of her suitors for any potential threats. But Cammon is unable to read Amalie, and he begins to suspect that she herself possesses magic powers-a revelation which would put her life in danger, and throw the kingdom into chaos.
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Comments for Reader and Raelynx (The Twelve Houses | Book 4)
- Posted on 2008-07-16
Cammon's tale and culmination of the series...
Although most of the books could be read without the others, it's probably better to have read them in order. Spoilers in this review and in the book itself will naturally occur if you haven't read the earlier books first. And since this book also entails the war that has been threatening since the first book, more than all the others, this book should be read last.
Cammon is the last and youngest of the six companions and it is right that his tale be told last. The six meet in the first book when two King's Riders, Tayse and Jason, and two Mystics, Senneth and Kirra--along with her man, Donal, are sent by the King to seek out rumors of unrest and treachery in the realm of Gillengaria, and rescue Cammon along the way. Cammon has always shown promise as a Reader--someone who can pick up strong emotions and some thoughts. He can sense those he cares for over great distances, and can see through shape-changing and illusions. As the book opens, he helps forestall several assassination attempts on King Baryn. When it is decided that Princess Amalie should receive suitors in order to help stabilize her claim to the throne, Cammon is called to the palace in order to help guard the King and the Princess and to help to secretly vet the suitors.
Cammon and Amalie had hit it off in an earlier book when she and step-mother Queen Valri needed guarding while making the rounds of the Houses of the kingdom. The fears of a number of perceptive people are realized when Cammon and Amalie grow closer and closer. Amalie needS to ally with one of the Twelves Houses, not alienate them by loving a commoner and a Mystic.
In the meantime, plots are coming to fruition. Halchon Gisseltess is in nearly open revolt--gathering forces for an onslaught against the King in the spring. His sister, Coralinda Gisseltess, continues to gather power as a Priestess who is out to destroy all Mystics. Other Houses are allies or may stay out of the fight. And disgruntled minor nobles of the Thirteenth House are fomenting rebellion in concert with Gisseltess's plans.
The first part of the book mostly concerns Cammon and Amalie. Both seem very young and somewhat naive--Cammon, particularly, since he naturally doesn't care about anything other than people: caring for the people he likes and keeping the bad ones away. He has little interest in training as a Rider or in society or status or politics, and it's not likely he will change. I would have liked to have seen a bit more development in all the characters, but in this series, they have remained very constant, despite what happens in their lives. (Tayse and maybe Senneth have possibly changed the most--and that, mostly in the first book.)
The action and battles in the last part of the book is exciting and suspenseful. There seemed to be a few unexplained inconsistencies (such as waiting to try a certain ploy when something like it might have been used earlier to greater effect, and powers that seem nearly omnipotent sometimes but not so useful at other times). There were a few things that were hinted at that didn't seem to come to any full effect--and some incredibly useful flaws in the enemy that were crucial (in almost an Evil Overlord sort of way)--plus an fairly easy out regarding the romance at the end, but then, perhaps that's just my own few quibbles and no one else would think of it that way. (I also wanted more about the raelynx, given that he's in the title, but oh, well.)
This book was still well-written and a satisfying conclusion to a good series.
Score: 4
- Posted on 2008-05-06
The Gillengarian Civil War
Reader and Raelynx (2007) is the fourth fantasy novel in the Twelve Houses series, following Dark Moon Defender. In the previous volume, Ellynor Alowa escaped the convent of the Daughters of the Pale Mother and returned to the Lirrenlands with Justin. There he was tested by her family and found worthy. Then they were married.
In this novel, King Baryn decides that his heir -- Princess Amalie -- should marry. Maybe the marlords will be so enthused with the idea of marrying into the royal family that chances for war would be reduced. Suitors are coming to visit her from all the Twelve Houses, some of which were probably going to be on the other side in the coming civil war.
Cammon senses an assassin and, with the help of Senneth and Tayse, catches him before he can reach the king. Then he does it again in a regal audience. King Baryn is so impressed that Cammon is asked to guard and advise Princess Amalie. Cammon is given a room in the palace, new and better clothes, and is kept close to the princess whenever she is exposed to the suitors and other outsiders.
Jerril continues to train Cammon in Reader skills. Although Cammon is the most talented Reader known to Jerril, he still doesn't know every skill in the repertoire. Besides, Jerril hopes that Cammon also will discover new skills, particularly in the Reading of foreigners.
Milo -- the king's steward -- decides that Cammon is one of the servants and thus under his charge. After Cammon stays away for a few days upon Milo's instructions, Amalie becomes mad at him and demands to know where he has been. Then she makes it clear that she will decide when Cammon is required.
Justin and Ellynor are returning to Ghosenhall from the Lirrenlands. Naturally Cammon knows that they are coming and tells Senneth and Tayse of their proximity. The King's Riders plan a charivari to welcome them back.
Cammon visits the raelynx fairly often. He knows that Queen Valri is visiting the animal, but then he discovers that Amalie is also viewing the deadly beast. He tries to tell her to be careful, but she unlocks the gate and enters the area where the raelynx is being held. Cammon is terribly afraid for her, but she has as much control over the animal as does Queen Valri.
In this story, Cammon and Amalie become close friends. Cammon tells her about his footloose life and Amalie tells him about her lack of friends. After Milo is put in his place, Cammon is close to Amalie for every public occasion and often just for friendly conversation.
Senneth and Queen Valri talk to Cammon about the position of Amalie in the kingdom. Cammon doesn't quite agree about some things, but does try to be more formal. Amalie gets very angry about that behavior.
This story finally shows the start of the civil war between the Houses. Halcon Gisseltest and the other rebel leaders hire foreign mercenaries and the Gillengarian Mystics find their powers are mostly ineffectual against these troops. Even Senneth finds her flames are not effective against the foreigners and that the rebel leaders are protected against her fire magic.
The first wave of attacks is by Thirteenth House leaders against their own marlords. Then the palace is attacked by foreigners. The King's Riders fight back and Cammon finds himself defending Amalie with a sword.
This book may mark the end of the series. Most of the plot threads are woven into this story, leaving few loose ends. Yet there are some very interesting puzzles left unresolved.
Highly recommended for Shinn fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of different magics, political intrigue, and royal romance.
-Arthur W. Jordin
Score: 5
- Posted on 2008-04-25
Love this series!!
If you haven't read the Mystic and Rider series by Sharon Shinn, you don't know what you're missing. This is the final installment in the series and was just as exciting as the first. My favorite is "Dark Moon Defender." Read them all; you'll be glad you did.
Score: 5 - Posted on 2008-04-14
12 houses series
i read 13th house first and loved it so much that i went back and bought all the others. reader and raelynx is the 4th in the series and it features cammon and the princess amalie. their relationship develops and so does the mystery of mystics. all 4 of the books are very well written and move smoothly and quickly. i have read all 4 books twice now and will probably read all 4 several more times. i can hardly wait for the next in the series.Mystic and Rider (The Twelve Houses, Book 1)The Thirteenth House (The Twelve Houses, Book 2)Dark Moon Defender (The Twelve Houses, Book 3)Reader and Raelynx (The Twelve Houses, Book 4)
Score: 5 - Posted on 2008-04-10
What a thriller!
This book has everything you need: Battle scene action, forbidden love, Romance, Mystery, Fantasy, Magic,etc.... Wonderful Read!
Score: 5
