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The Obernewtyn Chronicles #3
Ashling
The powerful farseeker Elspeth Gordie is sent to Sutrium, seat of the totalitarian council that rules the Land, to seal an alliance between the secret Misfit community at Obernewtyn and rebel forces.
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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1,739 people want to read
About the author
Isobelle Carmody
102books1,711followersIsobelle Carmody began the first novel of her highly acclaimed Obernewtyn Chronicles while she was still in high school. The series has established her at the forefront of fantasy writing in Australia.
In addition to her young-adult novels, such as the Obernewtyn Chronicles and Alyzon Whitestarr, Isobelle's published works include several middle-grade fantasies. Her still-unfinished Gateway Trilogy has been favorably compared to The Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia. The Little Fur quartet is an eco-fantasy starring a half-elf, half-troll heroine and is fully illustrated by the author herself.
Isobelle's most recent picture book, Magic Night, is a collaboration with illustrator Declan Lee. Originally published in Australia as The Wrong Thing, the book features an ordinary housecat who stumbles upon something otherworldly. Across all her writing, Isobelle shows a talent for balancing the mundane and the fantastic.
Isobelle was the guest of honor at the 2007 Australian National Science Fiction Convention. She has received numerous honors for her writing, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.
She currently divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.
Librarian's note: Penguin Australia is publishing the Obernewtyn Chronicles in six books, and The Stone Key is book five. In the United States and Canada this series is published by Random House in eight books; this Penguin Australia book is split into two parts and published as Wavesong (Book Five) and The Stone Key (Book Six).
In addition to her young-adult novels, such as the Obernewtyn Chronicles and Alyzon Whitestarr, Isobelle's published works include several middle-grade fantasies. Her still-unfinished Gateway Trilogy has been favorably compared to The Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia. The Little Fur quartet is an eco-fantasy starring a half-elf, half-troll heroine and is fully illustrated by the author herself.
Isobelle's most recent picture book, Magic Night, is a collaboration with illustrator Declan Lee. Originally published in Australia as The Wrong Thing, the book features an ordinary housecat who stumbles upon something otherworldly. Across all her writing, Isobelle shows a talent for balancing the mundane and the fantastic.
Isobelle was the guest of honor at the 2007 Australian National Science Fiction Convention. She has received numerous honors for her writing, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.
She currently divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.
Librarian's note: Penguin Australia is publishing the Obernewtyn Chronicles in six books, and The Stone Key is book five. In the United States and Canada this series is published by Random House in eight books; this Penguin Australia book is split into two parts and published as Wavesong (Book Five) and The Stone Key (Book Six).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
July 4, 2016
REREAD #1: 14 November 2015 - 19 November 2015 (9/10)
I'm rereading my way through the Obernewtyn series now that the final book is out and waiting safely on my Kindle. I had read the first four previously, then I got so worried about what might happen to Elspeth (a reaction I see I was already having with the earlier books last time) that I stopped reading until the series was finished. (A process I see took another 6 years so I'd have been worrying for quite a while.)
It has been fascinating reread the first three (as I didn't have the energy for reviews of either or ) already knowing the basics of the story. It means I can look for hints about the future and the past and enjoy the archaeological aspect of reading.
This series is a perfect one for me as it balances between building a post-apocalyptic future and discovering the secrets of that apocalypse from a distance. There are all sorts of hints and suggestions of both in this book and I'm enjoying picking them out as much as I'm enjoying the story.
This time, I'll get all the way to the end of the series.
FIRST READ: Finished 21 Jan 2009 - 27 January 2009 (9/10)
Reading The People of Sparks and then The Dreaming Place got me into a YA mood, making me conquer my I’m-so-worried-about-what-will-happen-to-Elspeth collywobbles and I picked up Ashling, the next in Isobelle Carmody’s Chronicles of Obernewtyn. This is a great addition to the story, flowing along at a steady pace and shifting location and focus several times. That meant I stayed interested and didn’t have time to stress too much about Elspeth, concentrating on the story instead.
Elspeth rescues a gypsy woman who is about to be burned by Herders and sets in motion a most unexpected adventure. When the woman fails to recover at Obernewtyn, the futureteller Maryon, dreams that Elspeth must venture to Sutrium and return the gypsy to her people within a week or die in the attempt. Joined by several others, Elspeth begins the journey south, along the way learning about the Twentyfamilies gypsies � who appear to have some kind of link to ancient Beforetime enemies of Talents � and eventually travelling to the neighbouring country of Sador to be tested to see if the Misfits can work with the growing rebels groups who want to overthrow the Council. Tied in to all this are growing hints about the Beforetime and what led to the Great White as well as indications of Elspeth’s future as the Seeker, destined to find and destroy the remaining Beforetime weaponmachines.
Oh, I loved this book. It was a perfect blend of thee things � a compelling current time adventure, reminders of the future that still waits for Elspeth and how she can reconcile it with the present, and a fascinating mystery about the Beforetime, what happened, what it all meant and how it will continue to affect characters in the present time. These things hit all my buttons beautifully, so the book was ideal for me. Personally, while actual apocalyptic fiction interests me, I prefer a more distant post-apocalyptic fiction where I get to enjoy the current story and figure out what the apocalypse in question was and how it happened. This book (and the entire series as a whole) gives it to me in spades.
Elspeth remains an interesting character; she’s strong and resourceful without being too perfect. She isn’t happy to be an instrument of fate, although she is working towards accepting it. Her developing relationship � or lack thereof � with Rushton is love and contains all the contradictions one might expect from a late teen. And through it all, she rises to the challenges that face her one by one and finds the necessary solutions.
The other characters in this book are less developed, more because they are not some much the focus of the tale than because Carmody has chosen to do less work with them. This book, and the entire series really, is Elspeth’s tale and the spotlight is on her, with the other characters acting in supporting roles.
The story of the Beforetime is also coming into focus. For me, this is huge part of the attraction to Ashling. As I said above, I really enjoy piecing together the remnants of the past to try to figure out what the world was like before. It’s more fun than just getting the directly told story of the apocalypse. Carmody is giving me everything I could want. So far, Elspeth herself is curious but not desperately interested in the Beforetime, but the book seems to be suggesting that it is going to become more and more important. This will certainly be true for the readers, but I suspect it may be for the characters as well. Of course, Elspeth and her fellow characters are more interested in the world they have to live in and its future, but to tell a complete tale, Carmody is building the story of the Beforetime and how it ending in the Great White, I am guessing to bring the tale full circle when Elspeth finally sets out on her quest to destroy the weaponmachines and prevent a new Great White. It would certainly provide an lovely symmetry to the thematic explorations of the series.
I found, as Carmody dropped all her hints, I was constantly annotating my ebook, mostly just highlighting passages, but also adding a few notes. While I hope to keep the annotations with the book, I know how easy it is for me to delete something easily (which is why I have a backup directly where I keep all my ebooks safe for future reading), so I wanted to copy those notes somewhere. I started out thinking of a Word document, but then decided ‘what the heck� and started up a new blog where I’ll make a backup record of any notes and theories I might have. I figure it’ll also be a good place to use if I ever want to add spoilers to any of my reviews. If it sounds interesting to you (probably only if your read/are reading any of the books I discuss) the link is: Spoilers, Notes and Theories.
As I had already indicated, this series is pushing all my buttons and I’m really enjoying it. If your buttons are different, it may not resonate as much, but this is still an excellent series and well worth stretching your boundaries for. However, this is very much an on-going tale rather than a series of linked individual stories, for all that the action within each book is complete. I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series, Obernewtyn.
Ashling
Isobelle Carmody
Obernewtyn Chronicles, Book 3
9/10
Notes and comments for Ashling
Qualifies for: 100+ Reading Challenge, eBook Reading Challenge, Young Adult Reading Challenge
I'm rereading my way through the Obernewtyn series now that the final book is out and waiting safely on my Kindle. I had read the first four previously, then I got so worried about what might happen to Elspeth (a reaction I see I was already having with the earlier books last time) that I stopped reading until the series was finished. (A process I see took another 6 years so I'd have been worrying for quite a while.)
It has been fascinating reread the first three (as I didn't have the energy for reviews of either or ) already knowing the basics of the story. It means I can look for hints about the future and the past and enjoy the archaeological aspect of reading.
This series is a perfect one for me as it balances between building a post-apocalyptic future and discovering the secrets of that apocalypse from a distance. There are all sorts of hints and suggestions of both in this book and I'm enjoying picking them out as much as I'm enjoying the story.
This time, I'll get all the way to the end of the series.
FIRST READ: Finished 21 Jan 2009 - 27 January 2009 (9/10)
Reading The People of Sparks and then The Dreaming Place got me into a YA mood, making me conquer my I’m-so-worried-about-what-will-happen-to-Elspeth collywobbles and I picked up Ashling, the next in Isobelle Carmody’s Chronicles of Obernewtyn. This is a great addition to the story, flowing along at a steady pace and shifting location and focus several times. That meant I stayed interested and didn’t have time to stress too much about Elspeth, concentrating on the story instead.
Elspeth rescues a gypsy woman who is about to be burned by Herders and sets in motion a most unexpected adventure. When the woman fails to recover at Obernewtyn, the futureteller Maryon, dreams that Elspeth must venture to Sutrium and return the gypsy to her people within a week or die in the attempt. Joined by several others, Elspeth begins the journey south, along the way learning about the Twentyfamilies gypsies � who appear to have some kind of link to ancient Beforetime enemies of Talents � and eventually travelling to the neighbouring country of Sador to be tested to see if the Misfits can work with the growing rebels groups who want to overthrow the Council. Tied in to all this are growing hints about the Beforetime and what led to the Great White as well as indications of Elspeth’s future as the Seeker, destined to find and destroy the remaining Beforetime weaponmachines.
Oh, I loved this book. It was a perfect blend of thee things � a compelling current time adventure, reminders of the future that still waits for Elspeth and how she can reconcile it with the present, and a fascinating mystery about the Beforetime, what happened, what it all meant and how it will continue to affect characters in the present time. These things hit all my buttons beautifully, so the book was ideal for me. Personally, while actual apocalyptic fiction interests me, I prefer a more distant post-apocalyptic fiction where I get to enjoy the current story and figure out what the apocalypse in question was and how it happened. This book (and the entire series as a whole) gives it to me in spades.
Elspeth remains an interesting character; she’s strong and resourceful without being too perfect. She isn’t happy to be an instrument of fate, although she is working towards accepting it. Her developing relationship � or lack thereof � with Rushton is love and contains all the contradictions one might expect from a late teen. And through it all, she rises to the challenges that face her one by one and finds the necessary solutions.
The other characters in this book are less developed, more because they are not some much the focus of the tale than because Carmody has chosen to do less work with them. This book, and the entire series really, is Elspeth’s tale and the spotlight is on her, with the other characters acting in supporting roles.
The story of the Beforetime is also coming into focus. For me, this is huge part of the attraction to Ashling. As I said above, I really enjoy piecing together the remnants of the past to try to figure out what the world was like before. It’s more fun than just getting the directly told story of the apocalypse. Carmody is giving me everything I could want. So far, Elspeth herself is curious but not desperately interested in the Beforetime, but the book seems to be suggesting that it is going to become more and more important. This will certainly be true for the readers, but I suspect it may be for the characters as well. Of course, Elspeth and her fellow characters are more interested in the world they have to live in and its future, but to tell a complete tale, Carmody is building the story of the Beforetime and how it ending in the Great White, I am guessing to bring the tale full circle when Elspeth finally sets out on her quest to destroy the weaponmachines and prevent a new Great White. It would certainly provide an lovely symmetry to the thematic explorations of the series.
I found, as Carmody dropped all her hints, I was constantly annotating my ebook, mostly just highlighting passages, but also adding a few notes. While I hope to keep the annotations with the book, I know how easy it is for me to delete something easily (which is why I have a backup directly where I keep all my ebooks safe for future reading), so I wanted to copy those notes somewhere. I started out thinking of a Word document, but then decided ‘what the heck� and started up a new blog where I’ll make a backup record of any notes and theories I might have. I figure it’ll also be a good place to use if I ever want to add spoilers to any of my reviews. If it sounds interesting to you (probably only if your read/are reading any of the books I discuss) the link is: Spoilers, Notes and Theories.
As I had already indicated, this series is pushing all my buttons and I’m really enjoying it. If your buttons are different, it may not resonate as much, but this is still an excellent series and well worth stretching your boundaries for. However, this is very much an on-going tale rather than a series of linked individual stories, for all that the action within each book is complete. I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series, Obernewtyn.
Ashling
Isobelle Carmody
Obernewtyn Chronicles, Book 3
9/10
Notes and comments for Ashling
Qualifies for: 100+ Reading Challenge, eBook Reading Challenge, Young Adult Reading Challenge
September 3, 2010
So I got the first one from the library and towards the end of the first book I knew this was something interesting. But it wasn’t until the second book (at the end of the second book no less) when I knew I had something fascinating in my hands. The moment that really got me was when the horse Gahltha pledges his loyalty to Elspeth and promises to help her and never leave her side (there’s a reason why of course) but I was so moved by this previously-arrogant horse and his devotion, that my heart melted right then and there. And then when I got to the third book, I was desperate to finish it and see what happens that one night I stayed up to finish Ashling without so much as speaking to my husband one night. And now I wait for the fourth book to come from the library. And to be honest, after finishing Ashling, I was left in a bit of a reading funk: I didn’t know what to read next. In a matter of a week, I picked up four books and didn’t finish any of them (although one I know I will return to shortly). I guess I went through some withdrawal and I hadn’t felt that since last year in the summer. So that wasn’t so much of a review as me wanting to gush about this series. Loving it! Oh, and to think this whole series was started when the author was still in high school??? The author has got quite the imagination and even though it takes place on Earth, it might as well be Middle-Earth or something else like it. It’s so wonderful to read the world she has created here. And the people as well…if you can, read them. Definitely do not give up on the first book: the books get so much more interesting and intricate, that you’ll be itching for the next book in the series, like I am.
January 22, 2015
This review contains spoilers.
Re-reading the third book in the Obernewtyn Chronicles, I was quickly reminded of why it was my favourite for such a long time: things REALLY start happening, on so many levels.
A year has gone by since the events of , making Elspeth about eighteen years old (I'm determined to keep track of her age this time, as it's never mentioned since she was first introduced to us at the age of fourteen). There are again rumours of a soldierguard camp planned for the Highlands, putting the secret community of talented Misfits living at Obernewtyn at risk of discovery. If caught by the oppressive Council or the fanatical Herders, they would be Burned. Keeping a low profile is paramount, so when Elspeth rescues a gypsy woman from being burned at the stake for practicing Herbal Lore, she risks not only her own life but that of everyone at Obernewtyn.
That deed sets Elspeth on a new, dangerous path, one with personal implications. The Guildmistress of the Futuretellers, Maryon, has foreseen that within seven days, Elspeth herself must return the gypsy to her people in Sutrium, the capital and the home of the Councilcourt - a dangerous mission. But Maryon has also foreseen that Elspeth must discover the meaning of "swallow" or she will die.
With only her friend and fellow Farseeker Matthew for company, as well as the horses Gahltha and Jaygar and Elspeth's long-time companion, the half-mad cat Maruman, Elspeth journeys quickly to Sutrium on the far south coast, in their usual disguise as gypsies. But as they search for their dying gypsy's people, Elspeth learns that there are half-breed gypsies, despised and hated, and the Twentyfamilies gypsies, the original race who came from over the seas and made a pact with the Council that gives them wealth and prestige, but prohibits them from settling.
Also in Sutrium is the Misfits' rebel friend, Brydda, or "the Black Dog". He has been working on getting the different rebel groups across the Land to unite, and an uprising against the Council seems imminent. Rushton, the master of Obernewtyn, has been hoping for an alliance with the rebels, for when the Council falls the Misfits will just be trading one enemy for another if they can't be allies first. Elspeth finds herself entangled in Brydda's aim to find the elusive man behind the lucrative slave trade, Salamander, and meets with the rebel leaders in an effort to show that she's no halfwit Misfit. Things do not go as planned, and as a select group of Misfits travel with Elspeth to the newly-opened desert land of Sador, there to compete in the Battlegames to prove their worth as rebel allies, everything is at stake, including Elspeth's understanding of her role in the fate of Obernewtyn.
----------------
Cover Commentary: I have the first edition - the inscription inside reads "To Shannon, Happy 16th Birthday, Love from Mum and Dad. 30.11.95" - and it has to have the worst cover of all the editions of all the books (and they went through four cover changes). Here's a story for you: only a few months before this book came out in 1995, Isobelle Carmody came to my rural high school to do a workshop with us grade 10 students (can't count how lucky I was to be at high school at this time! One year later and I would have missed out!!), but first she gave a kind of presentation on her writing and the publishing industry, which was fascinating. She held up a copy of the cover design that she'd recently received from her publisher and remarked that she really didn't like it (I can't remember the details of why). I couldn't see it very well at the time, being about two rows back (yes, hiding from my favourite author, that's how shy I was! Still don't know that I'd be able to say anything intelligent, articulate or interesting to her today, either), but once I got my copy for my birthday, I could see why. Two things stand out the most for me: Elspeth and Matthew. Elspeth is wearing pretty cool clothes, but her face is kinda squashed and ugly, and her hair!! She practically has a mullet. I don't know what Connell Lee, the artist, was thinking. Even worse though is Matthew, behind her. He's only a couple of years older than Elspeth, which would make him about 20, but he looks at least 35 in this image. Details like that always bug me. In contrast, the horses are so beautifully rendered! And I'm not entirely sure what the artist was aiming for, with the planets in the sky like that.
----------------
This book moves both fast and slow: the pacing deftly balances a busy bundle of plot-lines while also taking the time to focus, think and reflect. This is Elspeth's story, and as the narrator, we get her perspective on it all. Elspeth has grown again: she's colder, more distant, and quick to anger in this book, but she's also learning - learning to temper her words, her tone of voice, to notice how others are feeling and to think about what they might be going through. It's not that Elspeth has been a very selfish person, no more so than any of us. It's that she's always held herself aloof, due to her orphan upbringing (it's dangerous to make friends in an orphanage) but also, especially now, due to the added pressure of the mission the Eldar of the Guanette birds, Atthis, has given her: to find and destroy the weaponmachines that caused the Great White Holocaust, before another on the same path discovers them and releases a new Holocaust, one that will end everything.
I've always loved the philosophical elements of Carmody's storytelling; she skilfully weaves thought-provoking ideas and social commentary into her stories, something that tends to be sadly lacking from a lot of YA these days. This series touches on a great many relevant themes: environmental destruction, proliferation of "weapons of mass destruction", human greed, religious dogma, fear of the Other, censorship, the notion of human superiority, not learning from our mistakes, the welfare of animals, freedom, love, friendship, loyalty, home. Having a home. And that's one of the things that Elspeth learns at the end of this book: that she has a home, and that she doesn't have to cut herself off from everyone because of her secret mission, a mission she probably won't return from, alive.
Which bodes well for a relationship between her and Rushton. The romance in this book is light and delicate, as fragile as what is growing between the two of them. Elspeth takes a long time to own up to her feelings, and to not be afraid of them, and it's handled in such a realistic, believable way, that you can practically hear the gears ticking over in her brain as it catches up to her heart. The anticipation - and the uncertainty that anything would actually happen between these two (or anytime soon) - made their moment of coming together extra special. And tt's not the only kind of love that Elspeth has to grow to understand. Her thoughts on the cat, her protector on the dream paths, Maruman, reflects that:
This is such a subtle theme, slipped in there, but an important one: the balancing act of love and repression, or love and freedom. And I love the "alien" (non-human) perspective the animals give, their different way of thinking, it works so beautifully and feels so believable. Elspeth finds that the animals have decided she is Innle, the one who will free the beasts, and the horse Gahltha is her special daytime protector.
The other concept that really sticks out in this story, as it's meant to, is Elspeth's understanding of what the outcome of the Battlegames in Sador means for the Misfits of Obernewtyn. Because of their compassion and loyalty, they lose the games. But as the templeguardian points out:
I love that speech. I had wanted the Misfits to win, oh so badly - to prove their worth, but also to show that they could fight alongside the unTalented, and be respected by them. It's exciting but hard to read the Battlegame scenes because they seem so unfair, and because they lose. But Elspeth comes to a stronger realisation: so they're not warriors, but the Battlegames taught them what they couldn't do, "so that we could begin to think of what we can do." [p.514] Which means, indeed, starting again from the beginning, with a new plan. It also means they now have the rebels as enemies, or most of them - and unlike the Council, the rebels know some of what they can do, and the ones that hate them, fear them.
The fun thing is, is that I cannot remember ANYTHING that happens in the next book, The Keeping Place. I'm not sure how many times I've read it in the past, but unlike with the first three books, the entire plot has slipped my mind. This makes me super excited to read it again, from that perspective, but also because I have NO IDEA what path the Obernewtyn Misfits will take, what choices they now have, what decisions they'll take. I am keen to learn about the fate of Matthew - I feel sure he will survive his misadventure, and be wiser for it. There are lots of clues about Dragon's origins and why she fears water, though Elspeth hasn't yet realised that she's discovered this (she doesn't tend to trust her dreams). And Rushton and Elspeth's fragile romance... sigh. They have a long road ahead of them.
The Obernewtyn Chronicles is some of the best Fantasy-Dystopian-Post-Apoclayptic Young Adult fiction out there, and while some little slips that should have been caught in the copy-editing stage would normally bug me, with this beloved series I just don't care. Start reading it and learn why those of us who began reading the series as children are still faithfully, and with great pent-up excitement and enthusiasm, awaiting the final book. Yes, it's been that long. Eat your hearts out, A Song of Ice and Fire fans!
Note: You can get Ashling and The Keeping Place (books 3 and 4) in a single volume called in the U.S. It's over a thousand pages long. You can get them in separate volumes as well, though.
Re-reading the third book in the Obernewtyn Chronicles, I was quickly reminded of why it was my favourite for such a long time: things REALLY start happening, on so many levels.
A year has gone by since the events of , making Elspeth about eighteen years old (I'm determined to keep track of her age this time, as it's never mentioned since she was first introduced to us at the age of fourteen). There are again rumours of a soldierguard camp planned for the Highlands, putting the secret community of talented Misfits living at Obernewtyn at risk of discovery. If caught by the oppressive Council or the fanatical Herders, they would be Burned. Keeping a low profile is paramount, so when Elspeth rescues a gypsy woman from being burned at the stake for practicing Herbal Lore, she risks not only her own life but that of everyone at Obernewtyn.
That deed sets Elspeth on a new, dangerous path, one with personal implications. The Guildmistress of the Futuretellers, Maryon, has foreseen that within seven days, Elspeth herself must return the gypsy to her people in Sutrium, the capital and the home of the Councilcourt - a dangerous mission. But Maryon has also foreseen that Elspeth must discover the meaning of "swallow" or she will die.
With only her friend and fellow Farseeker Matthew for company, as well as the horses Gahltha and Jaygar and Elspeth's long-time companion, the half-mad cat Maruman, Elspeth journeys quickly to Sutrium on the far south coast, in their usual disguise as gypsies. But as they search for their dying gypsy's people, Elspeth learns that there are half-breed gypsies, despised and hated, and the Twentyfamilies gypsies, the original race who came from over the seas and made a pact with the Council that gives them wealth and prestige, but prohibits them from settling.
Also in Sutrium is the Misfits' rebel friend, Brydda, or "the Black Dog". He has been working on getting the different rebel groups across the Land to unite, and an uprising against the Council seems imminent. Rushton, the master of Obernewtyn, has been hoping for an alliance with the rebels, for when the Council falls the Misfits will just be trading one enemy for another if they can't be allies first. Elspeth finds herself entangled in Brydda's aim to find the elusive man behind the lucrative slave trade, Salamander, and meets with the rebel leaders in an effort to show that she's no halfwit Misfit. Things do not go as planned, and as a select group of Misfits travel with Elspeth to the newly-opened desert land of Sador, there to compete in the Battlegames to prove their worth as rebel allies, everything is at stake, including Elspeth's understanding of her role in the fate of Obernewtyn.
----------------
Cover Commentary: I have the first edition - the inscription inside reads "To Shannon, Happy 16th Birthday, Love from Mum and Dad. 30.11.95" - and it has to have the worst cover of all the editions of all the books (and they went through four cover changes). Here's a story for you: only a few months before this book came out in 1995, Isobelle Carmody came to my rural high school to do a workshop with us grade 10 students (can't count how lucky I was to be at high school at this time! One year later and I would have missed out!!), but first she gave a kind of presentation on her writing and the publishing industry, which was fascinating. She held up a copy of the cover design that she'd recently received from her publisher and remarked that she really didn't like it (I can't remember the details of why). I couldn't see it very well at the time, being about two rows back (yes, hiding from my favourite author, that's how shy I was! Still don't know that I'd be able to say anything intelligent, articulate or interesting to her today, either), but once I got my copy for my birthday, I could see why. Two things stand out the most for me: Elspeth and Matthew. Elspeth is wearing pretty cool clothes, but her face is kinda squashed and ugly, and her hair!! She practically has a mullet. I don't know what Connell Lee, the artist, was thinking. Even worse though is Matthew, behind her. He's only a couple of years older than Elspeth, which would make him about 20, but he looks at least 35 in this image. Details like that always bug me. In contrast, the horses are so beautifully rendered! And I'm not entirely sure what the artist was aiming for, with the planets in the sky like that.
----------------
This book moves both fast and slow: the pacing deftly balances a busy bundle of plot-lines while also taking the time to focus, think and reflect. This is Elspeth's story, and as the narrator, we get her perspective on it all. Elspeth has grown again: she's colder, more distant, and quick to anger in this book, but she's also learning - learning to temper her words, her tone of voice, to notice how others are feeling and to think about what they might be going through. It's not that Elspeth has been a very selfish person, no more so than any of us. It's that she's always held herself aloof, due to her orphan upbringing (it's dangerous to make friends in an orphanage) but also, especially now, due to the added pressure of the mission the Eldar of the Guanette birds, Atthis, has given her: to find and destroy the weaponmachines that caused the Great White Holocaust, before another on the same path discovers them and releases a new Holocaust, one that will end everything.
I've always loved the philosophical elements of Carmody's storytelling; she skilfully weaves thought-provoking ideas and social commentary into her stories, something that tends to be sadly lacking from a lot of YA these days. This series touches on a great many relevant themes: environmental destruction, proliferation of "weapons of mass destruction", human greed, religious dogma, fear of the Other, censorship, the notion of human superiority, not learning from our mistakes, the welfare of animals, freedom, love, friendship, loyalty, home. Having a home. And that's one of the things that Elspeth learns at the end of this book: that she has a home, and that she doesn't have to cut herself off from everyone because of her secret mission, a mission she probably won't return from, alive.
Which bodes well for a relationship between her and Rushton. The romance in this book is light and delicate, as fragile as what is growing between the two of them. Elspeth takes a long time to own up to her feelings, and to not be afraid of them, and it's handled in such a realistic, believable way, that you can practically hear the gears ticking over in her brain as it catches up to her heart. The anticipation - and the uncertainty that anything would actually happen between these two (or anytime soon) - made their moment of coming together extra special. And tt's not the only kind of love that Elspeth has to grow to understand. Her thoughts on the cat, her protector on the dream paths, Maruman, reflects that:
Was [Maruman] wandering, mindless, in Sutrium? Again, I wondered if I should have restrained him for his own good? Since I loved him, hadn't I the right to stop him from harming himself?
With something of a shock it occurred to me that this was the sort of thinking that had caused Gahltha to try to stop me helping the little mare, Faraf. And which had once caused Rushton to forbid me to go on dangerous expeditions.
I would never exchange safety for freedom, I thought, regardless of the danger. I had the right to risk my life as I chose.
"Truly danger is part of freedom/freerunning," Gahltha sent unexpectedly, sounding as if the thought startled him. "It is easy to forget this when it is not us/me."
[...] "It's easy to have one rule for others and another for myself but there's no honour in such double standards," I sent mildly.
"Honour?" Gahltha snorted. "That is a littleword for a great thing. Funaga have freerunning thoughts. But instead of admiring/joying in them, you would cagethem with words. Some things will not be tamed to words."
[... I]t was not enough for me to admire words and ideas as beautiful abstractions. I had to see how they could be applied. And I knew only too well that what worked in words was often very different when you tried to apply it to a real situation. In essence, freedom of choice sounded a fine and noble thing. But in reality? [pp.245-6]
This is such a subtle theme, slipped in there, but an important one: the balancing act of love and repression, or love and freedom. And I love the "alien" (non-human) perspective the animals give, their different way of thinking, it works so beautifully and feels so believable. Elspeth finds that the animals have decided she is Innle, the one who will free the beasts, and the horse Gahltha is her special daytime protector.
The other concept that really sticks out in this story, as it's meant to, is Elspeth's understanding of what the outcome of the Battlegames in Sador means for the Misfits of Obernewtyn. Because of their compassion and loyalty, they lose the games. But as the templeguardian points out:
"As for the Misfits, if they are truly represented by these before me, they are no warriors. They care too much for life and for one another. They are not stirred by the glories of war, and the shedding of lifeblood brings them sorrow, whether it be of beast or human, friend or foe. All their instincts are for defence and so their great powers are all but useless. They are not cowardly or weak, but their minds appear incapable of allowing their great powers to serve them as weapons.
"Witness that they used the incredible ability which they call empathy to its greatest effect in a song, rather than to turn their enemies' hearts to terror.
"They will never have the rebels' singlemindedness of purpose, nor therefore their driving force, because they cannot see things in terms of simple goals."
He turned in the dead silence wrought by his powerful oratory, and faced the rebels. "We here in Sador value the earth above all life - humans and beasts alike are short lived and unimportant. This you know. We have thought that Landfolk valued their own lives too much, regarding themselves as the chosen of their Lud. But these Misfits seem to value all life and this is strange for us to contemplate. But think you this. You rebels opposed alliance with the Misfits because you thought them monsters and inhuman. Ask yourselves now which team has this day shown the keenest humanity and which has shown itself to be more monstrous." [pp.496-7]
I love that speech. I had wanted the Misfits to win, oh so badly - to prove their worth, but also to show that they could fight alongside the unTalented, and be respected by them. It's exciting but hard to read the Battlegame scenes because they seem so unfair, and because they lose. But Elspeth comes to a stronger realisation: so they're not warriors, but the Battlegames taught them what they couldn't do, "so that we could begin to think of what we can do." [p.514] Which means, indeed, starting again from the beginning, with a new plan. It also means they now have the rebels as enemies, or most of them - and unlike the Council, the rebels know some of what they can do, and the ones that hate them, fear them.
The fun thing is, is that I cannot remember ANYTHING that happens in the next book, The Keeping Place. I'm not sure how many times I've read it in the past, but unlike with the first three books, the entire plot has slipped my mind. This makes me super excited to read it again, from that perspective, but also because I have NO IDEA what path the Obernewtyn Misfits will take, what choices they now have, what decisions they'll take. I am keen to learn about the fate of Matthew - I feel sure he will survive his misadventure, and be wiser for it. There are lots of clues about Dragon's origins and why she fears water, though Elspeth hasn't yet realised that she's discovered this (she doesn't tend to trust her dreams). And Rushton and Elspeth's fragile romance... sigh. They have a long road ahead of them.
The Obernewtyn Chronicles is some of the best Fantasy-Dystopian-Post-Apoclayptic Young Adult fiction out there, and while some little slips that should have been caught in the copy-editing stage would normally bug me, with this beloved series I just don't care. Start reading it and learn why those of us who began reading the series as children are still faithfully, and with great pent-up excitement and enthusiasm, awaiting the final book. Yes, it's been that long. Eat your hearts out, A Song of Ice and Fire fans!
Note: You can get Ashling and The Keeping Place (books 3 and 4) in a single volume called in the U.S. It's over a thousand pages long. You can get them in separate volumes as well, though.
May 29, 2017
Blazed through the last 100 pages, but honestly before about 400-ish, I was extremely bored during this one. The storyline that I thought was only going to last maybe half the book was actually more like 85% of the book, and it was just not entertaining, plus all the 'twists' were quite predictable.
Thankfully the last 15% had something of the overarching story to it, so it seems I will continue the series, and hopefully the writing will grow over the rest of the books as well.
Thankfully the last 15% had something of the overarching story to it, so it seems I will continue the series, and hopefully the writing will grow over the rest of the books as well.
March 25, 2023
Even better than I remember! I've slipped back into the Obernewtyn Chronicles as if into a dream.
I forgot how action-packed, thrilling, and sweeping this world and story is—with its web of political schemes and plethora of characters and nuanced grappling with the difficult questions of life and purpose and what it is to be part of the human race. I sped through, unable to consume everything fast enough to sate my burning curiosity.
Elspeth has grown so much since her younger days in Obernewtyn and I can remember now why I loved her so fiercely as a child: Who wouldn't love following such a fearless and fierce leader? Who couldn't help but feel for a heroine with such a depth of empathy for others? In the two-year jump from Obernewtyn to The Farseekers, Elspeth's maturity increases, but it's only in this third installment that we get to experience her grow and shed some of her naivete.
The mystery and importance of Elsepth's quest gripped me anew. I found the longer passages of Elspeth's quiet inner monologues as arresting as the scenes of breakneck action.
I love how Carmody infused so much wisdom into the beasts, which makes Elspeth's conversations with them so philosophical and heartfelt and fascinating. There is a perfect balance in this novel, though it feels like so much happens, between high-octane action and the more subtle revelations that Elspeth has. When it comes to her relationship with Rushton, I love that it starts to blossom without overpowering the novel and Elspeth's own purpose and agency.
Ashling is a dense and action-packed installment with much to love. It delighted me as a child, with its fantastical mind powers and sense of adventure and awe. It holds me captive again as an adult—all the more because I can feel deeply its threads of environmentalism, and its laying out of the great price of war and humanity's greed.
| | |
I forgot how action-packed, thrilling, and sweeping this world and story is—with its web of political schemes and plethora of characters and nuanced grappling with the difficult questions of life and purpose and what it is to be part of the human race. I sped through, unable to consume everything fast enough to sate my burning curiosity.
Elspeth has grown so much since her younger days in Obernewtyn and I can remember now why I loved her so fiercely as a child: Who wouldn't love following such a fearless and fierce leader? Who couldn't help but feel for a heroine with such a depth of empathy for others? In the two-year jump from Obernewtyn to The Farseekers, Elspeth's maturity increases, but it's only in this third installment that we get to experience her grow and shed some of her naivete.
The mystery and importance of Elsepth's quest gripped me anew. I found the longer passages of Elspeth's quiet inner monologues as arresting as the scenes of breakneck action.
My resolve, shattered and confused for so long, became, all at once, blessedly clear... I would obey the prophecy the birds claimed I had been born to fulfill, and all the strange strandings of fate that sent me here and there seeking signs and ways; I would follow the sinuous, difficult, puzzling manywindings of my quest, whether they led me into the deserts of Sador, or over the vast dark seas or into the very fires of hell - I would complete my quest so that what had been could not come again.
I would walk the dark road to its end and never return, for nothing was too great a price to pay for the earth and all its life.
I love how Carmody infused so much wisdom into the beasts, which makes Elspeth's conversations with them so philosophical and heartfelt and fascinating. There is a perfect balance in this novel, though it feels like so much happens, between high-octane action and the more subtle revelations that Elspeth has. When it comes to her relationship with Rushton, I love that it starts to blossom without overpowering the novel and Elspeth's own purpose and agency.
Ashling is a dense and action-packed installment with much to love. It delighted me as a child, with its fantastical mind powers and sense of adventure and awe. It holds me captive again as an adult—all the more because I can feel deeply its threads of environmentalism, and its laying out of the great price of war and humanity's greed.
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July 5, 2017
3 stelle e mezzo, in realtà!
Ma il ritmo (eccessivamente lento), lo stile old-fashioned e il fatto che la trama principale della saga non sia avanzata di un quarto di passo in 500 pagine, giocano un po' a sfavore di questo terzo romanzo...
Ma il ritmo (eccessivamente lento), lo stile old-fashioned e il fatto che la trama principale della saga non sia avanzata di un quarto di passo in 500 pagine, giocano un po' a sfavore di questo terzo romanzo...
December 28, 2017
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love all of the characters!!!! Dameon!! Dragon!! Brydda!!! How does Isobelle Carmody write such realistic, beautiful characters?!!
This series is incredible!!
i love all of the characters!!!! Dameon!! Dragon!! Brydda!!! How does Isobelle Carmody write such realistic, beautiful characters?!!
This series is incredible!!
November 3, 2011
*Spoilers Implied*
I think that Carmody just gets better and better. it's obvious that the series started while she was a young writer, (i believe she was in high school when she started it) but it has progressively evolved to having a solid voice. I'm in love with all of her characters, that being said all of the perifery characters have more depth than the protagonist. Elspeth is pretty pig-headed and refuses to evolve. Her acceptance at the end of the novel comes out of the BLUE and isn't really earned.
That being said, i think Carmody does an amazing job of bringing back characters the read had almost forgotten. at times it can seem a little campy, like "OH WOW YOU"RE BACK! NEVER WOULD HAVE GUESSED IT!" even though the country is tiny. but i enjoy it anyway.
I'm a little anxious for the journy to the black land to begin. all of this hinting distracts from the main story of trying to deal with the rebels. either MORE of the future journey or LESS. I'm for less. too much forshadowing can ruin the excitement of it actually happening.
I did love this book. i'm jacked to read the next in the series.
I think that Carmody just gets better and better. it's obvious that the series started while she was a young writer, (i believe she was in high school when she started it) but it has progressively evolved to having a solid voice. I'm in love with all of her characters, that being said all of the perifery characters have more depth than the protagonist. Elspeth is pretty pig-headed and refuses to evolve. Her acceptance at the end of the novel comes out of the BLUE and isn't really earned.
That being said, i think Carmody does an amazing job of bringing back characters the read had almost forgotten. at times it can seem a little campy, like "OH WOW YOU"RE BACK! NEVER WOULD HAVE GUESSED IT!" even though the country is tiny. but i enjoy it anyway.
I'm a little anxious for the journy to the black land to begin. all of this hinting distracts from the main story of trying to deal with the rebels. either MORE of the future journey or LESS. I'm for less. too much forshadowing can ruin the excitement of it actually happening.
I did love this book. i'm jacked to read the next in the series.
November 30, 2015
It's been over a decade since I've read the obernewtyn chronicles and I am bingeing the whole series now that it has been completed. What I didn't quite appreciate as a 14 year old is the seamless way in which the dream trails have been weaved into the general 'action' plot. Some series focus too much on character and as these characters evolve the authors lose sight of the destiny or prophecy aspect that drives the character's actions. Carmody nails this. There's no obvious/cheap desire to throw in a twist here and there to shock the readers. Rather she creates an elegant flow of narrative that makes this my all time favourite fantasy series. Also Ashling has a tiny bit of romance in there but it doesn't overtake the story in any way - it's not soppy and dramatic like so many YA dystopia/fantasy. So glad I'm on holidays so I can continue to binge.
August 16, 2019
Spoilers,........
Really enjoyed this book, my fav so far. So sad to see Matthew gone, I really hope he comes back. And finally Elspeth and Rushton yay! Love Marumam and Gahltha. So sad to see Dragon hurt. Domick needs a punch on the face for how he is treating Kella. Loved the journey to desert and the games, I've been waiting for something like this to happen, it's all been a bit slow before now. The gypsy and the tattoo still left so much to be explained and to go on with. Elspeth has so much to do before the series ends. I hope she gets sometime with Rushton. Wish they had locked ass at the games instead of being so nice.
Really enjoyed this book, my fav so far. So sad to see Matthew gone, I really hope he comes back. And finally Elspeth and Rushton yay! Love Marumam and Gahltha. So sad to see Dragon hurt. Domick needs a punch on the face for how he is treating Kella. Loved the journey to desert and the games, I've been waiting for something like this to happen, it's all been a bit slow before now. The gypsy and the tattoo still left so much to be explained and to go on with. Elspeth has so much to do before the series ends. I hope she gets sometime with Rushton. Wish they had locked ass at the games instead of being so nice.
September 18, 2010
OK, it's official, I love this series! I wouldn't say the writing is amazing, or the concept original but these books have the best characterization. It's been ages since I've read a book and had to set it down, take a deep breath and remind myself that it's just a story, it's not real and to calm down. I love that!
November 15, 2015
One of my favourites in this series. This, similar to Goblet of Fire for the HP series, really sets the tone of the rest of the Obernewtyn Chronicles and starts propelling the main quest story forward. I find the writing steps it up in this book, with some utterly gorgeous prose.
I can't wait to delve into the next few books, which I do not remember as well as this one.
I can't wait to delve into the next few books, which I do not remember as well as this one.
November 20, 2015
Rebels, misfits and an impending war that's about to start. What could possibly go wrong?
The misfits have finally found a path in which they grow.
The misfits have finally found a path in which they grow.
September 17, 2019
this series is written in such a unique way. i really do look forward to more.
August 2, 2024
🐺 Introduction:
Alright, folks, gather 'round the fire because it’s time to dive into the fantastical and deeply immersive world of Ashling by Isobelle Carmody. This third installment in The Obernewtyn Chronicles takes us deeper into the post-apocalyptic world that has captured the hearts of readers since its first publication in 1995. Blending dystopian themes with fantasy and young adult adventure, Ashling continues the saga of Elspeth Gordie and her band of Misfits as they navigate a world rife with political intrigue, dangerous secrets, and a looming prophecy. Ready to embark on this journey? Let’s get our paws dirty and dig into this gem! 🌟📚
🐺 Plot Summary:
In Ashling, Carmody spins a tale that’s as rich and layered as the world it inhabits. The story kicks off with our heroine, Elspeth Gordie, now a powerful Farseeker, being sent on a mission that will take her to the very heart of the oppressive Council’s power in Sutrium. Elspeth’s goal is to secure an alliance between the secretive Misfits of Obernewtyn and the growing rebel forces, but as you might expect, nothing is ever simple in this world.
Carmody masterfully weaves together multiple plot threads, from the tensions between the Misfits and the rebels to the dark secrets of the Beforetime and the ominous weaponmachines that Elspeth is destined to destroy. The book is a whirlwind of adventure, with Elspeth facing everything from political machinations to deadly battles, all while uncovering more about her own mysterious destiny. And of course, there’s the ever-present threat of the Herders, religious fanatics who would love nothing more than to see the Misfits burned at the stake. 🔥⚔️
🐺 The Author:
Isobelle Carmody is no stranger to the world of fantasy, having begun The Obernewtyn Chronicles while she was still in high school—a testament to her prodigious talent. Carmody’s ability to create complex, believable worlds and characters has earned her a place at the forefront of Australian fantasy literature. Her work is a perfect blend of imagination and depth, making her stories resonate with readers of all ages.
Carmody has been showered with accolades over the years, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. Her writing style is both lyrical and grounded, balancing the fantastical elements of her stories with keen observations about human nature, society, and the environment. Ashling is a shining example of her skill, showcasing her ability to craft a story that’s both epic in scope and intimate in its character development.
🐺 Characters:
Let’s talk about the heart and soul of this story—its characters. Elspeth Gordie is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for. She’s strong, determined, and deeply compassionate, yet she’s also burdened by the weight of her destiny and the dark secrets she must uncover. Throughout Ashling, Elspeth grapples with her role as the Seeker, destined to find and destroy the weaponmachines, and her personal desires, particularly her complicated feelings for Rushton, the master of Obernewtyn.
Speaking of Rushton, his relationship with Elspeth is a slow burn, filled with tension, misunderstandings, and moments of quiet intimacy. Their romance is understated but powerful, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story without overshadowing the larger plot. Rushton himself is a complex character, torn between his responsibilities as a leader and his feelings for Elspeth.
Then there are the supporting characters—each one a gem in their own right. Matthew, Elspeth’s loyal friend, provides much-needed levity and warmth, while the enigmatic Maruman, a half-mad cat with a deep connection to Elspeth, adds a touch of mystery and wisdom. The new characters introduced in Ashling, such as the gypsy woman and the members of the Twentyfamilies, each bring something unique to the table, enriching the world and the story.
🐺 Structure:
Ashling is structured in a way that keeps the reader constantly engaged. The book is divided into several parts, each one focusing on a different aspect of Elspeth’s journey. The pacing is masterful, with Carmody knowing exactly when to slow down for introspective moments and when to ramp up the tension with action-packed sequences.
Carmody’s use of multiple perspectives and flashbacks adds layers to the narrative, allowing readers to see the bigger picture while still staying grounded in Elspeth’s personal journey. The structure of the book mirrors the complexity of the world it depicts, with each chapter revealing new facets of the characters and the plot. This layered storytelling is one of Carmody’s strengths, drawing readers deeper into the story with each turn of the page.
🐺 Themes & Analysis:
At its core, Ashling is a story about destiny, choice, and the struggle for freedom. Elspeth’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with her role as the Seeker and what it means for her future. The theme of fate versus free will is a recurring one, with Elspeth constantly questioning whether she is merely a pawn in a larger game or if she can shape her own destiny.
The book also delves into themes of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice. The Misfits� fight for survival is fraught with moral dilemmas, as they must decide who they can trust and how far they are willing to go to achieve their goals. The bond between Elspeth and her friends is tested time and again, highlighting the importance of trust and loyalty in the face of overwhelming odds.
Carmody’s environmental themes are also prominent in Ashling. The world of Obernewtyn is one that has been ravaged by the mistakes of the past, and the characters� struggle to protect what remains of their world is a reflection of the author’s own concerns about the environment. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of preserving the natural world.
🐺 Scenes:
While Ashling isn’t a book that’s heavy on romance or erotic scenes, there is a subtle and tender development of the relationship between Elspeth and Rushton. Their interactions are filled with unspoken tension and quiet moments of connection, making the eventual progression of their relationship feel all the more earned and impactful.
The action scenes in Ashling are where Carmody truly shines. Whether it’s a tense confrontation with the Council, a desperate escape from danger, or the intense Battlegames in Sador, Carmody knows how to craft scenes that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Each action sequence is carefully choreographed, with a focus on the characters� emotions and the stakes of the situation, making them all the more gripping.
🐺 World-Building:
Carmody’s world-building in Ashling is nothing short of spectacular. The world of Obernewtyn is one that feels fully realized, with a rich history, complex societies, and a sense of place that is palpable on every page. The post-apocalyptic setting is both familiar and alien, with remnants of the Beforetime blending seamlessly with the new world that has arisen from its ashes.
The cultures and societies in Ashling are well-developed, from the strict hierarchy of the Council to the nomadic traditions of the Twentyfamilies gypsies. Carmody pays attention to the details, whether it’s the customs of the gypsies or the political maneuverings of the rebels, creating a world that feels lived-in and real. The environmental aspects of the world are also integral to the story, with the characters� connection to the land and the natural world being a central theme.
🐺 Praise & Critique:
There’s a lot to love about Ashling. The character development is top-notch, with Elspeth continuing to grow and evolve as a protagonist. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with each character bringing something unique to the story. Carmody’s writing is beautiful and evocative, with a lyrical quality that enhances the fantasy elements of the story.
However, the book isn’t without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing a bit slow, particularly in the middle sections where the plot focuses more on political maneuvering and less on action. The sheer number of characters and plot threads can also be overwhelming at times, making it easy to lose track of who’s who and what’s happening.
That said, these issues are minor in the grand scheme of things. Ashling is a rich, rewarding read that offers plenty of depth and substance for those willing to invest the time and attention.
🐺 Comparison:
When compared to other works in The Obernewtyn Chronicles, Ashling stands out as one of the most pivotal books in the series. While Obernewtyn and The Farseekers lay the groundwork for the world and characters, Ashling is where the story truly comes into its own. The stakes are higher, the characters are more developed, and the plot is more intricate, making it a standout entry in the series.
In the broader context of young adult fantasy, Ashling holds its own against heavyweights like Tamora Pierce and Garth Nix. Carmody’s focus on environmental themes and her complex, morally ambiguous characters set her work apart from many of her peers, giving The Obernewtyn Chronicles a unique place in the genre.
🐺 Personal Evaluation:
As a seasoned ice wolf who’s seen it all, Ashling hit me right in the feels. It’s a book that balances action and introspection, with a protagonist who’s as strong as she is vulnerable. Elspeth’s journey is one that resonated with me on a deep level, and Carmody’s writing brought her world to life in vivid detail.
The book’s themes of destiny, choice, and the fight for freedom are ones that will stay with me long after the final page. While there were moments where the pacing dragged, and the sheer complexity of the plot threatened to overwhelm, these issues were outweighed by the book’s strengths. Ashling is a story that’s as rich in substance as it is in style, and it’s one that I won’t soon forget.
🐺 Conclusion:
So, would I recommend Ashling? Absolutely. Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Obernewtyn Chronicles or a newcomer to the series, this book has something to offer. It’s a story that’s both epic and intimate, filled with rich characters, a fully realized world, and themes that will make you think long after you’ve turned the last page.
I’m giving Ashling a solid 4.5 out of 5 paws. It’s a book that’s earned its place on my shelf, and one that I’ll be revisiting for years to come. If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Obernewtyn—you won’t be disappointed. 🐾🌟
Alright, folks, gather 'round the fire because it’s time to dive into the fantastical and deeply immersive world of Ashling by Isobelle Carmody. This third installment in The Obernewtyn Chronicles takes us deeper into the post-apocalyptic world that has captured the hearts of readers since its first publication in 1995. Blending dystopian themes with fantasy and young adult adventure, Ashling continues the saga of Elspeth Gordie and her band of Misfits as they navigate a world rife with political intrigue, dangerous secrets, and a looming prophecy. Ready to embark on this journey? Let’s get our paws dirty and dig into this gem! 🌟📚
🐺 Plot Summary:
In Ashling, Carmody spins a tale that’s as rich and layered as the world it inhabits. The story kicks off with our heroine, Elspeth Gordie, now a powerful Farseeker, being sent on a mission that will take her to the very heart of the oppressive Council’s power in Sutrium. Elspeth’s goal is to secure an alliance between the secretive Misfits of Obernewtyn and the growing rebel forces, but as you might expect, nothing is ever simple in this world.
Carmody masterfully weaves together multiple plot threads, from the tensions between the Misfits and the rebels to the dark secrets of the Beforetime and the ominous weaponmachines that Elspeth is destined to destroy. The book is a whirlwind of adventure, with Elspeth facing everything from political machinations to deadly battles, all while uncovering more about her own mysterious destiny. And of course, there’s the ever-present threat of the Herders, religious fanatics who would love nothing more than to see the Misfits burned at the stake. 🔥⚔️
🐺 The Author:
Isobelle Carmody is no stranger to the world of fantasy, having begun The Obernewtyn Chronicles while she was still in high school—a testament to her prodigious talent. Carmody’s ability to create complex, believable worlds and characters has earned her a place at the forefront of Australian fantasy literature. Her work is a perfect blend of imagination and depth, making her stories resonate with readers of all ages.
Carmody has been showered with accolades over the years, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. Her writing style is both lyrical and grounded, balancing the fantastical elements of her stories with keen observations about human nature, society, and the environment. Ashling is a shining example of her skill, showcasing her ability to craft a story that’s both epic in scope and intimate in its character development.
🐺 Characters:
Let’s talk about the heart and soul of this story—its characters. Elspeth Gordie is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for. She’s strong, determined, and deeply compassionate, yet she’s also burdened by the weight of her destiny and the dark secrets she must uncover. Throughout Ashling, Elspeth grapples with her role as the Seeker, destined to find and destroy the weaponmachines, and her personal desires, particularly her complicated feelings for Rushton, the master of Obernewtyn.
Speaking of Rushton, his relationship with Elspeth is a slow burn, filled with tension, misunderstandings, and moments of quiet intimacy. Their romance is understated but powerful, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story without overshadowing the larger plot. Rushton himself is a complex character, torn between his responsibilities as a leader and his feelings for Elspeth.
Then there are the supporting characters—each one a gem in their own right. Matthew, Elspeth’s loyal friend, provides much-needed levity and warmth, while the enigmatic Maruman, a half-mad cat with a deep connection to Elspeth, adds a touch of mystery and wisdom. The new characters introduced in Ashling, such as the gypsy woman and the members of the Twentyfamilies, each bring something unique to the table, enriching the world and the story.
🐺 Structure:
Ashling is structured in a way that keeps the reader constantly engaged. The book is divided into several parts, each one focusing on a different aspect of Elspeth’s journey. The pacing is masterful, with Carmody knowing exactly when to slow down for introspective moments and when to ramp up the tension with action-packed sequences.
Carmody’s use of multiple perspectives and flashbacks adds layers to the narrative, allowing readers to see the bigger picture while still staying grounded in Elspeth’s personal journey. The structure of the book mirrors the complexity of the world it depicts, with each chapter revealing new facets of the characters and the plot. This layered storytelling is one of Carmody’s strengths, drawing readers deeper into the story with each turn of the page.
🐺 Themes & Analysis:
At its core, Ashling is a story about destiny, choice, and the struggle for freedom. Elspeth’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with her role as the Seeker and what it means for her future. The theme of fate versus free will is a recurring one, with Elspeth constantly questioning whether she is merely a pawn in a larger game or if she can shape her own destiny.
The book also delves into themes of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice. The Misfits� fight for survival is fraught with moral dilemmas, as they must decide who they can trust and how far they are willing to go to achieve their goals. The bond between Elspeth and her friends is tested time and again, highlighting the importance of trust and loyalty in the face of overwhelming odds.
Carmody’s environmental themes are also prominent in Ashling. The world of Obernewtyn is one that has been ravaged by the mistakes of the past, and the characters� struggle to protect what remains of their world is a reflection of the author’s own concerns about the environment. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of preserving the natural world.
🐺 Scenes:
While Ashling isn’t a book that’s heavy on romance or erotic scenes, there is a subtle and tender development of the relationship between Elspeth and Rushton. Their interactions are filled with unspoken tension and quiet moments of connection, making the eventual progression of their relationship feel all the more earned and impactful.
The action scenes in Ashling are where Carmody truly shines. Whether it’s a tense confrontation with the Council, a desperate escape from danger, or the intense Battlegames in Sador, Carmody knows how to craft scenes that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Each action sequence is carefully choreographed, with a focus on the characters� emotions and the stakes of the situation, making them all the more gripping.
🐺 World-Building:
Carmody’s world-building in Ashling is nothing short of spectacular. The world of Obernewtyn is one that feels fully realized, with a rich history, complex societies, and a sense of place that is palpable on every page. The post-apocalyptic setting is both familiar and alien, with remnants of the Beforetime blending seamlessly with the new world that has arisen from its ashes.
The cultures and societies in Ashling are well-developed, from the strict hierarchy of the Council to the nomadic traditions of the Twentyfamilies gypsies. Carmody pays attention to the details, whether it’s the customs of the gypsies or the political maneuverings of the rebels, creating a world that feels lived-in and real. The environmental aspects of the world are also integral to the story, with the characters� connection to the land and the natural world being a central theme.
🐺 Praise & Critique:
There’s a lot to love about Ashling. The character development is top-notch, with Elspeth continuing to grow and evolve as a protagonist. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with each character bringing something unique to the story. Carmody’s writing is beautiful and evocative, with a lyrical quality that enhances the fantasy elements of the story.
However, the book isn’t without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing a bit slow, particularly in the middle sections where the plot focuses more on political maneuvering and less on action. The sheer number of characters and plot threads can also be overwhelming at times, making it easy to lose track of who’s who and what’s happening.
That said, these issues are minor in the grand scheme of things. Ashling is a rich, rewarding read that offers plenty of depth and substance for those willing to invest the time and attention.
🐺 Comparison:
When compared to other works in The Obernewtyn Chronicles, Ashling stands out as one of the most pivotal books in the series. While Obernewtyn and The Farseekers lay the groundwork for the world and characters, Ashling is where the story truly comes into its own. The stakes are higher, the characters are more developed, and the plot is more intricate, making it a standout entry in the series.
In the broader context of young adult fantasy, Ashling holds its own against heavyweights like Tamora Pierce and Garth Nix. Carmody’s focus on environmental themes and her complex, morally ambiguous characters set her work apart from many of her peers, giving The Obernewtyn Chronicles a unique place in the genre.
🐺 Personal Evaluation:
As a seasoned ice wolf who’s seen it all, Ashling hit me right in the feels. It’s a book that balances action and introspection, with a protagonist who’s as strong as she is vulnerable. Elspeth’s journey is one that resonated with me on a deep level, and Carmody’s writing brought her world to life in vivid detail.
The book’s themes of destiny, choice, and the fight for freedom are ones that will stay with me long after the final page. While there were moments where the pacing dragged, and the sheer complexity of the plot threatened to overwhelm, these issues were outweighed by the book’s strengths. Ashling is a story that’s as rich in substance as it is in style, and it’s one that I won’t soon forget.
🐺 Conclusion:
So, would I recommend Ashling? Absolutely. Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Obernewtyn Chronicles or a newcomer to the series, this book has something to offer. It’s a story that’s both epic and intimate, filled with rich characters, a fully realized world, and themes that will make you think long after you’ve turned the last page.
I’m giving Ashling a solid 4.5 out of 5 paws. It’s a book that’s earned its place on my shelf, and one that I’ll be revisiting for years to come. If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Obernewtyn—you won’t be disappointed. 🐾🌟
May 10, 2017
Aspects I liked & enjoyed:
~World Building: I liked learning more about the Twenty Families Gypsies and Sadorians and their own private cultural experience with The Great White in comparison to the land-dwellers. Jakoby and her daughter might be once off characters but I get the feeling they will be popping up again.
~Sources of Conflict: There were an interesting mixture of conflict sources, the Salamander and slave trade sub-plot was interesting, however I found the Rebellion sup-plot with Malick was predictable but it was something that needed to be addressed. While I think the mysterious coma convenient, I did feel it had a more natural domino effect on characters and plot than the rebellion one.
~Character Development: Nearly all the characters changed and grew in acceptable and meaningful ways, some negative and some positive, however I found that Elspeth’s character journey did border on cliché “Chosen One� territory.
Aspects I had Problems with:
~Slow Narrative Pacing: While there was a lot going on plot-wise for Ashling, it seemed to run out of steam after they arrived at Sutrium and the Gypsy sub-plot was supposedly resolved, I got a little bored waiting around for them to all head off to Sador. However, due to reduction in plot activity, the good all reliable fall-back option of romance drama was evoked. Now the romance drama between Mathew and Dragon came across as acceptable, however the romance drama between Elspeth and Rushton came across as pointless, tedious and predictable.
~Worf Had the Flu: *spoilers* Dragon ends up a mysterious coma in this book for no real explainable reason other than if Dragon had been awake and been able to take part in the Battlegames, the result may have been different. I also found the Battle-games aspect predictable.
~Lots of Unresolved Sub-Plots: I understand that Isobelle Carmody is leaving some narrative possibilities open, but there were lots of unanswered questions and I would argue that the gypsy sub-plot and the problem with the tattoo were not resolved at all. I get that Elspeth’s world is very large and that there are lots of political factors that come into play, however I found it more frustrating than intriguing.
Overall, I got the feeling that Ashling was more of a “Narrative Set-Up� book and not “Narrative Action� book, however I am still want to know how it all connects together.
~World Building: I liked learning more about the Twenty Families Gypsies and Sadorians and their own private cultural experience with The Great White in comparison to the land-dwellers. Jakoby and her daughter might be once off characters but I get the feeling they will be popping up again.
~Sources of Conflict: There were an interesting mixture of conflict sources, the Salamander and slave trade sub-plot was interesting, however I found the Rebellion sup-plot with Malick was predictable but it was something that needed to be addressed. While I think the mysterious coma convenient, I did feel it had a more natural domino effect on characters and plot than the rebellion one.
~Character Development: Nearly all the characters changed and grew in acceptable and meaningful ways, some negative and some positive, however I found that Elspeth’s character journey did border on cliché “Chosen One� territory.
Aspects I had Problems with:
~Slow Narrative Pacing: While there was a lot going on plot-wise for Ashling, it seemed to run out of steam after they arrived at Sutrium and the Gypsy sub-plot was supposedly resolved, I got a little bored waiting around for them to all head off to Sador. However, due to reduction in plot activity, the good all reliable fall-back option of romance drama was evoked. Now the romance drama between Mathew and Dragon came across as acceptable, however the romance drama between Elspeth and Rushton came across as pointless, tedious and predictable.
~Worf Had the Flu: *spoilers* Dragon ends up a mysterious coma in this book for no real explainable reason other than if Dragon had been awake and been able to take part in the Battlegames, the result may have been different. I also found the Battle-games aspect predictable.
~Lots of Unresolved Sub-Plots: I understand that Isobelle Carmody is leaving some narrative possibilities open, but there were lots of unanswered questions and I would argue that the gypsy sub-plot and the problem with the tattoo were not resolved at all. I get that Elspeth’s world is very large and that there are lots of political factors that come into play, however I found it more frustrating than intriguing.
Overall, I got the feeling that Ashling was more of a “Narrative Set-Up� book and not “Narrative Action� book, however I am still want to know how it all connects together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2017
There is so much I love about 'The Ashling', Isobelle Carmody's third book in the acclaimed Obernewtyn chronicles. The depth of Elspeth as an individual character is really explored in this novel. This corresponds with the book's attempt to draw out and challenge the human condition and the nature of humanity. As a reader, you find yourself empathising with Elspeth's many moods and thoughts through a stream of consciousness writing style which keeps the read engaging. You follow her fears, anxieties, joys and doubts; even her internal conflicts and dealings with her feelings of love.
In this novel, the characters are all stretched to their limits, where hope becomes scarce and despair and depression commonplace. The humanity of the so called 'misfits' are clearly seen. Starkly juxtaposed against the greed, power and seemingly brusque monstrosity of the rebel leader Malik and his rebel followers. Without spoiling too much, this book raises awareness of the dangers of overstepping human power and creation; leading to destruction, oppression and it's cost on the earth.
By the end of the book, I had really grown an attachment to our main heroine. Ultimately, Isobelle Carmody is a lyrical writer, never failing to provide mystery in a foreign yet familiar world which at times, presents many parallels to our own world today.
I loved it.
In this novel, the characters are all stretched to their limits, where hope becomes scarce and despair and depression commonplace. The humanity of the so called 'misfits' are clearly seen. Starkly juxtaposed against the greed, power and seemingly brusque monstrosity of the rebel leader Malik and his rebel followers. Without spoiling too much, this book raises awareness of the dangers of overstepping human power and creation; leading to destruction, oppression and it's cost on the earth.
By the end of the book, I had really grown an attachment to our main heroine. Ultimately, Isobelle Carmody is a lyrical writer, never failing to provide mystery in a foreign yet familiar world which at times, presents many parallels to our own world today.
I loved it.
May 31, 2020
Honestly what more can I say, this series is becoming one of my absolute favourites so I’ll keep this short and sweet.
- C H A R A C T E R. D E V E L O P M E N T... just so amazing
- The storyline keeps pulling me in, TOO GOOD
- I have fallen in love with the “olden� speech and how Carmody does it. Just sounds so lovely
- The struggles and pressures on Elspeth are dealt with realistically. She isn’t perfect, she shows her fears
- The plot is massive but I’m not getting lost in it all
- The ending has a pleasant reflection on Elspeth’s journey, clearly depicting her transition from confused teen, to a leader (or the beginnings of one)
So why not five stars after I have literally only said the best things?
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING ⚠️
When the whole slave thing happened it felt like it was made to just move the plot along. I wish it was more than to get revenge and kill salamander, the whole ordeal would have been called out as a waste of resources and risked their people. Even if it was for the fallen Idris, I doubt they all would have risked their backs for revenge.
I know it was important (or else Elspeth wouldn’t have seen Ariel and Mathew wouldn’t have been kidnapped) but it was a very dramatic thing to do on the side of the rebels.
STILL INCREDIBLE STORYYYYYY
- C H A R A C T E R. D E V E L O P M E N T... just so amazing
- The storyline keeps pulling me in, TOO GOOD
- I have fallen in love with the “olden� speech and how Carmody does it. Just sounds so lovely
- The struggles and pressures on Elspeth are dealt with realistically. She isn’t perfect, she shows her fears
- The plot is massive but I’m not getting lost in it all
- The ending has a pleasant reflection on Elspeth’s journey, clearly depicting her transition from confused teen, to a leader (or the beginnings of one)
So why not five stars after I have literally only said the best things?
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING ⚠️
When the whole slave thing happened it felt like it was made to just move the plot along. I wish it was more than to get revenge and kill salamander, the whole ordeal would have been called out as a waste of resources and risked their people. Even if it was for the fallen Idris, I doubt they all would have risked their backs for revenge.
I know it was important (or else Elspeth wouldn’t have seen Ariel and Mathew wouldn’t have been kidnapped) but it was a very dramatic thing to do on the side of the rebels.
STILL INCREDIBLE STORYYYYYY
August 6, 2018
I feel as if every book in the Obernewtyn series just keeps on getting better as the storyline progresses. Once again, Carmody introduced new adventures and new characters, which not only broadened the scope of the fiction world, but also invoked a new sense of depth into the plot. I'm really excited to see more of the Gypsy, Swallow, and to learn more about the Sadorian people who were introduced towards the end of the book. I was glad that we got a bit more clarity on Elspeth's quest and how exactly it came to be. I was NOT glad, however, that a few of my faves were put through the wringer - Matthew, Dragon and Domick and Kella's relationship - all suffered immensely. My only consolation was that Rushton and Elspeth FINALLY were able to confess their feelings for one another, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't get teary. Another fantastic and well-written book in the Obernewtyn series, and most definitely my favourite so far!
July 16, 2020
Better than book 2. Still like book 1 best. This took towards 100 pages to find it's feed then bang 200 some pages , most of the book was a page turner till it got to the Battle Games which felt way out of place but in the end she made sense of it. This world keeps growing and growing. why it became harder to find after this book I do not know. But I did find them. Mostly used Library Hardbacks. Except the final 2 books. I got the Sending from Australia so it's 1 book not 2. Wavesong and Stone Key are 1 book split into 2 but I didn't knot that at that time. I'll enjoy reading more of this as it goes on. I continue to think this is not Young Adult material but who am I to figure that out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
This story continues to sweep me away, and I am a willing traveler.
Isobelle Carmody’s Obernewtyn series sparked such a fanatical love in me when I was a child. I have not been able to pick them up since, and they are very quickly reminding me why I adored them in the first place.
Along with the beautiful messages, complex and interesting characters, thrilling pace, and flawless storytelling, these books carry such a relevance and weight in the year 2022. Especially now.
There is much to be learned from this story. I am forced to think of things that make me uncomfortable, but that must be thought of anyway. Thankfully, the story is so stunning that it helps bear the weight of a heavy moral.
Don’t shortsleep on these books. The Obernewtyn Chronicles are outstanding.
Isobelle Carmody’s Obernewtyn series sparked such a fanatical love in me when I was a child. I have not been able to pick them up since, and they are very quickly reminding me why I adored them in the first place.
Along with the beautiful messages, complex and interesting characters, thrilling pace, and flawless storytelling, these books carry such a relevance and weight in the year 2022. Especially now.
There is much to be learned from this story. I am forced to think of things that make me uncomfortable, but that must be thought of anyway. Thankfully, the story is so stunning that it helps bear the weight of a heavy moral.
Don’t shortsleep on these books. The Obernewtyn Chronicles are outstanding.
May 4, 2022
Third in the Obernewtyn series, this one follows Elspeth as she and her fellow Misfits/Talents take a wounded gypsy back to her people, attempt to establish an alliance to rebel groups that wish to overthrow the Herders and Council, then learn through battlegames that their group should focus on peacemaking and fostering compassion rather than try to be warriors. There’s a helluva lot going on in this volume, and I was annoyed with Elspeth when she had occasional immature headstrong moments but was glad when she took the time to examine the situations and react with some sense. I hope she continues to mature in the following volumes. I enjoyed the introduction of Sador, its people, and its land.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2017
This book is amazing! I can remember reading the first 4 books in this series religiously over and over again as a teenager and this one was always my favorite. Gypsies! Swallow (the Jack Sparrow of the Obernet verse), tattoos of birds (I still want someone to design an Agyllian bird water colour tattoo so I can get it), rebels, battle games, desert people! Also Part 2 had the best drama bomb of the series up to book 4. People who have read this book before will know which part I'm referring to.
June 1, 2018
Nostalgia? Check check check. But unfortunately those rose-coloured glasses can’t cover everything. We’ve got ourselves some stilted language, over-idealized characters, some VERY awkward language surrounding “gypsies� and “half-breeds� that does NOT hold up, and a typical YA romance marred by misunderstandings and bullheadedness. All the same, I remain enamoured with the parts of Carmody’s world-building that really work, and her skill tree of mind powers remains helplessly intriguing and entertaining.
November 27, 2018
Honestly, I do not know what it is that keeps me coming back.
There were parts of Ashling that were really good, and there were parts that left me bored stupid;
add that to the still unresolved issues I have from the previous books and new inconsistencies� I am not sure whether I’ll continue or not.
With little to no progress made on Elspeth’s quest to find and destroy a nuclear weapon, having to ‘listen� to her bemoan the waiting is starting to get old.
However, the introduction of the Sadorians has piqued my curiosity as to where Ms. Carmody might be going with this.
There were parts of Ashling that were really good, and there were parts that left me bored stupid;
add that to the still unresolved issues I have from the previous books and new inconsistencies� I am not sure whether I’ll continue or not.
With little to no progress made on Elspeth’s quest to find and destroy a nuclear weapon, having to ‘listen� to her bemoan the waiting is starting to get old.
However, the introduction of the Sadorians has piqued my curiosity as to where Ms. Carmody might be going with this.
October 27, 2024
The Farseeker Elspeth Goldie is sent to Sutrium, seat of the Totalitarian Council that rules the land to seek an alliance between the Misfits and the Rebel Forces.
Her mission is to destroy the dormant weapon machines left by the Beforetimers. The quest and journey take her to many far-off places. Land, Sea, Mountains and the Desert.
Before her quest can begin, she must learn the meaning of her dreams and decipher what needs to be done to succeed.
I felt this book was slow to get started, I was a good 200 pages in before it took my interest.
Her mission is to destroy the dormant weapon machines left by the Beforetimers. The quest and journey take her to many far-off places. Land, Sea, Mountains and the Desert.
Before her quest can begin, she must learn the meaning of her dreams and decipher what needs to be done to succeed.
I felt this book was slow to get started, I was a good 200 pages in before it took my interest.
January 10, 2019
Well, this series is a really fun read, especially because every complaint I have about the previous book in the series is fixed in the next one. Honestly, describing this book as dystopian doesn't really do it credit because it is so far removed from some of the shallow, selfish love stories that exist in the genre.
That said... I dislike Elspeth's love interest arc, mainly because I've never seen Rushton as a very developed character.
That said... I dislike Elspeth's love interest arc, mainly because I've never seen Rushton as a very developed character.
October 3, 2019
I like the plot and the characters, but there's one thing that irritates me so much. I hate how forced the relationship is between Rushton and Elspeth. They have hardly any interaction and the reader has hardly any knowledge about Rushton since he's not in the books much. It feels like the author really wants them together, so they're together. I dislike that. I haven't had a chance to observe the relationship, so I'm not in love with the idea of them being in love. It feels forced.
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 10, 2023A very good friend recommended this series. Said it was one of her favorites when she was younger.
And I could not get through book 3. I was bored and realized I didn't particularly care about ANY of the characters .
So, as much as I love her recommendations (usually), this is a DNF. Maybe I'll pick it up again someday and will like it much better.
And I could not get through book 3. I was bored and realized I didn't particularly care about ANY of the characters .
So, as much as I love her recommendations (usually), this is a DNF. Maybe I'll pick it up again someday and will like it much better.
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