For me, this was the third series read by this author and I cannot be more impressed. Sarah Wilson has won me over and over again, with each of her series, and quickly became one of my favourite authors. All of her books are thought through with perfection, starting with some of the most amazing covers I have seen so far. Her writing is superb, the world is built with care to the smallest detail, and the characters are developed to perfection so that their behaviour becomes predictable like that of a well known friend. The stories Wilson writes are original, unexpected and feature a fresh approach, regardless of the inspirations she mentions finding in other writers. Every single story is interesting and hypnotising and will not let you be until you finish it. I find this author a special gift to all the readers of paranormal fantasy and science fiction. May she gift us with her masterfully written books for many years to come!
Prince of Hawks (Unweaving Chronicles #0.5) in Six Queens available exclusively with the Six Queens newsletter
This is the prequel to the series, but it is best read after the first book as it reveals some details unknown to Tylira, main female character of the series.
The prequel deals with life changing events, which occurred right before the first book and involve Prince of Hawks, the main male character of the series. These events started a chain reaction of epic proportions, as it becomes clear in the first book.
Teeth of the Goods (Unweaving Chronicles #1) available for purchase on Amazon
This is probably one of the longest and most difficult reviews I have ever written because it will sound like I have a lot of negative things to say, while I absolutely loved the book. So I need to clarify this before I start. I am impressed by all the negative characters, as they could not have been any different, and consistent with the society, at the same time. This only speaks to the author’s writing skill, imagination and overall consistency.
It is still unclear to me how the author managed to write a book with a main character so faulty and unlikable (actually, none of the characters were likable), and a story so mesmerising, fascinating and all absorbing that I could not put it down! In the beginning I hated all the characters and still could not put the book down! How is that possible? Well, this author can pull it off without a problem.
The story occurs in an ancient type of society with a high ruler (High Tazmin), ruling everything. It is an ugly society, where the ruler has children he never met, multiple consorts who barely spend time with their children, strict rules, severe punishments, strictly divided casts, and even slaves. Regardless of their position in the society, the subjects of the high Tazmin, without exception, believe themselves to be the highest achievement of human kind and consider any outsiders barbarians, regardless of their societal achievements or their status in the society. The overall arrogance is overwhelming.
Tylira is one of High Tazmin’s children, specifically the ninth child of the High Tazmin and one of his highly praised consorts who was recently assassinated on her last diplomatic mission. There is literally nothing nice I can say about Tylira. She is childish, ignorant, lazy, inconsiderate, reckless, arrogant, has no sense of reality behind her palace walls, and is incredibly egotistic and self centered, a quitter and a coward. She would like to have all the benefits of her privileged life but no responsibilities whatsoever, and she whines about it throughout most of the book, while being served by slaves who have nothing but duties, and on top of it all, she does not even see the irony of her behavior. The worst thing is that her recklessness causes death of many people in her life, while she keeps on ranting about unfairness of her life and mistreatment she gets, assigning responsibility for various other characters for her actions. The author could not have done it better! The development and portrayal of Tylira’s character are masterful and impressive and reflects exactly what one could expect from a spoiled child being raised in environment lacking love but overflows in riches. Fortunately she does evolve a little bit towards the end of the book.
Prince of Hawks is a complete opposite from Tylira and I am not going to say more, because it would be impossible without giving spoilers. He is probably the only likable character in the book and the only positive influence on Tylira.
Then there is Amandera, the High Tazminera, High Consort of the High Tazmin. All the highs in her title don’t do her justice. She is one remarkable character. Neither good not bad, Amandera is all about duty and responsibility. She was probably my favourite character in the book, as she never falters, never gives up, brave, responsible, serious, and I will miss her if I don’t see her in future books.
Another character worth mentioning is Jakinda, the Commander of Tylira’s personal guard, who is one of the most confusing characters in the book. I still didn’t manage to figure out her loyalties, which I expect was the intent and gives an additional detail in the portrayal of the society.
Then there is the Common and the ancestors, and I will say no more about the topic. The ending is nothing short of shocking and unexpected. I really did not see it coming. I don’t think anyone could. I also have no idea where the story will take me, but I am looking forward to finding out. this is probable one of the most interesting and intriguing stories I have ever read.
Lightning Strikes Twice (Unweaving Chronicles#2) available for purchase on Amazon
Currently reading.
Thunder Rattles High (Unweaving Chronicles #3) available for purchase on Amazon
Next to be read.
Unweaving Chronicles also comes as a box set available for purchase on Amazon.
More about Sarah K. L. Wilson and Unweaving Chronicles can be found on Goodreads and the author’s website.
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