Rate this book

The Grimoire: Lichgates (2014)

by S.M. Boyce(Favorite Author)

3.96 of 5 Votes: 4

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Acorn Valley Press

series

The Grimoire Saga

review 1: This book served me well on the treadmill. Except to finish it out, I only read it during that 40 minute span. Not because it wasn’t interesting, but because I am reading other books and pursuing a daily writing goal, as well.The description in the first few pages pulled me into the story immediately. In fact, I still need to return to those early pages and copy some of the text into my writer’s notebook. Both setting and character felt real from the very first page.The premise of a magical portal and a magical book have been done countless times. I enjoyed the idea of the Vagabond as an independent agent seeking the well-being of all inhabitants of Ourea. I’m still not sure how (or even if) the original Vagabond attempted this, nor do I have a grasp on how Kara will... more pursue it.The romance between Kara and Braeden plays a very minor role in this first book. Their attraction is obvious. I like the idea of their friendship developing further before they experiment with any romantic feelings.Tons of different creatures are introduced in the world of Ourea, which kept me engaged. Of course, there were a few old standards, as well, but their roles weren’t emphasized the way the yakona, isen and muses were.I enjoyed the characters, but I felt this book served more as an introduction to the series rather than a story with its own problem and resolution. Kara has a clear character arc and grows from the troubled college student at the beginning to a committed Vagabond in the end. Somehow she has determined she knows more than the first Vagabond, and I feel that is a mistake on her part and not necessarily in character.The stakes for the series are high. I have predictions about things I think will happen next. Once my “to be read” pile diminishes, there is a good chance I will pick up the next installment in the series. I like the characters and the idea of a magical world joined to ours with magical gates intrigues the writer and fantasy lover within me.If you want to find a new series, you will enjoy this book as a foothold into a new world. If you want a book that stands alone, it isn’t really this one. I’m sure the author enticed us in this way to sell us on the whole series. I balk at that. I believe every book must have its own story problem that is resolved at the end.
review 2: To be honest, I didn't finish this because I set it aside and then it needed to go back to the library. Sometime in the future, I might decide to give it another chance, but it felt like trudging through mud - forcing yourself to take one more step, and then one more step. It was like watching a bunch of people dressed up for a comic con milling about and attempting to act out their interpretation of a fantasy character. less

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