by Stuart Hill
ages: 13+
First sentence: “Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield carried her names with ease.”

Aside from the horrid cover, I really wanted to like this one. I thought it would be like Tamora Pierce’s Lionsong novels: a strong girl, a warrior girl, leading her people in a fight against Incredible Odds.

And maybe it is.

However, I couldn’t read it. I gave it 50 pages to grab me (maybe I should have held in there longer?), but it didn’t. Part of it was that Thirrin was supposed to be 13, and yet she was acting like an 18-year-old. (Which isn’t new; I mean, how often in fantasy novels do 13-year-olds actually act like a 13 year old does?) Part of it was the ridiculous names (Primplepuss????). Part of it was that Thirrin’s father, the king, never spoke, but shouted, guffawed, hollered, and bellowed.

But, mostly, it was because I am tired of authors telling me what is going on. Thirrin thought this. Thirrin did that. Thirrin wants this. Thirrin thinks that.

*sigh*

I just want to read a story where I can interact with the characters, enjoy the plot, and be SHOWN what is going on.

And that is really why I bailed on this one.