Thursday, September 8, 2011

Review of Bloodmaiden by Christine E. Schulze

Synopsis: "Zale. Gauthier. Varden. These three dynasties...They all sound like something out of an ancient, oriental myth or fairy tale. The concept of humans and dragons helping and living in harmony with one another, without fear. To me, that's exactly what they are. A distant dream only read of, whispered secretly, quietly yearned for. For, you see, I am the new Quelda of Tynan.
These words echo the mystery, horror, and romance found within Schulze's fantasy novel. Along with her new husband, Chalom, Crislin must choose to embrace cruel tradition, run from it, or stand against it. The young couple's only hope is to rally the help of the three peaceful dragon dynasties of Sulaimon—but tradition is not on their side, even outside the realm of Tynan. The dragons outside Tynan's borders have been rumored as too stubborn and proud to believe their Tynanian brothers would commit such horrors as inflicted upon the Quelda. Gaining their aid is not a likely hope. Yet, any hope at all is valued in Tynan...
If they are to stand a chance of bringing cruel tradition to a permanent end, Crislin and Chalom must brave the constant, consuming blizzards of the Ever-white. They must brave the three dynasties and the challenges awaiting there. Together, they must convince the dragon emperors to allow them access to the shrines which house the sacred Aria - protective strands of music which may be able to disperse the evil from Tynan and unite the four dynasties of Sulaimon as a whole once again. Their only aid stems from a sprite whose moods are as unstable as her magic, a young minstrel, and a mysterious fox. Despite the odds, such plans are daring, dangerous, unprecedented, but fully possible - if they can escape the Wall first."


My Review: Let me first start by saying I loved the 1st person narration! Its not very often I enjoy books with first person, but this really fit the book. Next let me say that it is like so many other fantasy and quest stories but yet still so unlike that it really holds you in. Christine really does a great job of painting the images in your mind as well as making you feel the emotions of the characters. I really did enjoy the characters, granted I would have loved to have Chalom be more involved in the story, I didn't get as much of a feel for him as I would have liked (don't get me wrong, I love him, I just want more of him). It was a great fantasy quest to tag along for, and not quite the ending I was expecting. There were a few surprises throughout the story that really kept you on your toes. Another great book from Christine Schulze!

My Rating: This one gets Four Paws from me! I really enjoyed it an hope there is more to come!


**Note: The ebook version of this was sent to me by the author for review.

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