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The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
After the death of her wizard father, sixteen-year-old Sybel's only friends are part of a magical menagerie--a dragon, black swan, lion, falcon, and boar--until a infant child is put into her charge. Reprint. Winner of the World Fantasy Award. PW.
343 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1974
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About the author
Patricia A. McKillip
90books2,787followersPatricia Anne McKillip was an American author of fantasy and science fiction. She wrote predominantly standalone fantasy novels and has been called "one of the most accomplished prose stylists in the fantasy genre". Her work won many awards, including the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,139 reviews
February 22, 2021
Ya de mis libros favoritos DE LA VIDA.
Tiene absolutamente todo lo que me gusta en una historia.
Una narración cuidada y muy bella, cercana a los clásicos cuentos y leyendas, una protagonista independiente que sufre, duda, aprende, pero es siempre fiel a sí misma, unos secundarios FASCINANTES (porque a ver, a mi me gustan todos pero nada ni nadie en la vida podrá superar NUNCA a mi jabalí Cyrin ♥︎), una reflexión sobre la corrupción y lo importante que es ser íntegro, unos buenos giros que no te ves venir... (tengo que decir que hubo una parte del libro en la que grité en voz alta), una novela increíblemente intimista que consigue ser épica.
En fin, una de esas historias que aún a pesar de su brevedad logra ser redonda en todos los aspectos. Al menos para mi ha significado mucho y tengo claro que es una obra que jamás me cansaré de releer :)
Tiene absolutamente todo lo que me gusta en una historia.
Una narración cuidada y muy bella, cercana a los clásicos cuentos y leyendas, una protagonista independiente que sufre, duda, aprende, pero es siempre fiel a sí misma, unos secundarios FASCINANTES (porque a ver, a mi me gustan todos pero nada ni nadie en la vida podrá superar NUNCA a mi jabalí Cyrin ♥︎), una reflexión sobre la corrupción y lo importante que es ser íntegro, unos buenos giros que no te ves venir... (tengo que decir que hubo una parte del libro en la que grité en voz alta), una novela increíblemente intimista que consigue ser épica.
En fin, una de esas historias que aún a pesar de su brevedad logra ser redonda en todos los aspectos. Al menos para mi ha significado mucho y tengo claro que es una obra que jamás me cansaré de releer :)
May 10, 2016
how to express how much I love Patricia McKillip and her books, how much her stories move me, how they slowly and invisibly transform from enthralling fairy tale to a genuinely emotional experience? how to describe the prose: so refined and elegant, so expressive, so light and delicate, so deep and beautiful, and yet often so simple? just so: her arrangements are perfect, my own kind of perfect. how to describe all of that, to make into something as plodding as a book review? love is a subjective experience and so resists codification. it would be easier to describe why I liked that walk in a forest, that beam of sunlight hitting the leaves in just that way; or how I like to watch the fog roll in past that great hill, making of the world a dreamscape. words seems so small for such a task, and yet words are the very tools she uses.
the tale is about a magical woman in a forest. she is a cold woman and her forest is surrounded by an angry world. she surrounds herself in turn, with what she loves, the only things she truly understands: her beasts - her friends. the story is about being loved and falling in love; it is about making bad decisions and letting terrible things turn you into something terrible. it is about being understood and not being understood, why understanding is not always necessary, why it can be hardest to understand yourself. it is about letting go; it is about letting other people be a part of you. it is a fable, and so much more.
the tale is about a magical woman in a forest. she is a cold woman and her forest is surrounded by an angry world. she surrounds herself in turn, with what she loves, the only things she truly understands: her beasts - her friends. the story is about being loved and falling in love; it is about making bad decisions and letting terrible things turn you into something terrible. it is about being understood and not being understood, why understanding is not always necessary, why it can be hardest to understand yourself. it is about letting go; it is about letting other people be a part of you. it is a fable, and so much more.
May 11, 2024
This book ended up being nothing like I expected � which is great since my expectations would not have done it justice.
What I expected was more along the lines of a fantasy with a plucky heroine, but this book does not stoop to that. Instead it chooses to be full of nuances and subtleties and serious yet non-preachy take on anger and pain and revenge and love, with adult people making choices that are both right and wrong and can undo you at any point, and the weight of the consequences of your choices, and with no answer or solution ever clear-cut � but without the artificial pursuit of shades-of-greyness for its own sake. It’s complex and beautiful and sad and lovely all at the same time.
It’s about love and hate and the weight and destructiveness of both, and grief and loss, and about the allure and danger of power and the terrible fear of being ripped away from you, and what you do with a well of rage and anger no matter how righteous it may be. And it goes to scary and dark places without anything ever being gruesome, with no gratuitous violence but instead unease that is much more effective at making you think.
It’s a short book but it doesn’t waste pages. And it’s written very well, in a style that’s reminiscent of folklore without actually being folksy; descriptive but not ornate or overwritten, concise but very unhurried. It’s quiet and calm without much fuss, and thoughtful, and simply lovely and yet anything but cozy or comfortable � and that’s pretty great as far as I’m concerned.
4.5 stars.
—ĔĔĔ—�
Also posted on .
"You can weave your life so long—only so long, and then a thing in the world out of your control will tug at one vital thread and leave you patternless and subdued."
What I expected was more along the lines of a fantasy with a plucky heroine, but this book does not stoop to that. Instead it chooses to be full of nuances and subtleties and serious yet non-preachy take on anger and pain and revenge and love, with adult people making choices that are both right and wrong and can undo you at any point, and the weight of the consequences of your choices, and with no answer or solution ever clear-cut � but without the artificial pursuit of shades-of-greyness for its own sake. It’s complex and beautiful and sad and lovely all at the same time.
“Rok, when you look at her you see a beautiful, strong-willed woman whose power is the star of fortune over Sirle. And I see a child with a festering hurt that eventually will be the death of her.�
—ĔĔ�
“� But a man afraid in the core of his mind has little room for compassion.�
It’s about love and hate and the weight and destructiveness of both, and grief and loss, and about the allure and danger of power and the terrible fear of being ripped away from you, and what you do with a well of rage and anger no matter how righteous it may be. And it goes to scary and dark places without anything ever being gruesome, with no gratuitous violence but instead unease that is much more effective at making you think.
He was silent a moment, struggling. He said finally, “But you had a right to be angry.�
“Yes. But not to hurt those I love, or myself.�
It’s a short book but it doesn’t waste pages. And it’s written very well, in a style that’s reminiscent of folklore without actually being folksy; descriptive but not ornate or overwritten, concise but very unhurried. It’s quiet and calm without much fuss, and thoughtful, and simply lovely and yet anything but cozy or comfortable � and that’s pretty great as far as I’m concerned.
“The giant Grof was hit in one eye by a stone, and that eye turned inward so that it looked into his mind and he died of what he saw there.�
4.5 stars.
—ĔĔĔ—�
Also posted on .
July 26, 2018
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is one of my all-time favorite fantasy novels. It's a total comfort read, poetry in prose combined with an appealing story, some great symbolism, and an examination of people and their motives and how our desires and fears can make or undo us. It's one of the fantasy books I repeatedly recommend to friends.
I finished this off yesterday in one day, as part of a buddy read with the Buddies, Books and Baubles group. It's probably my third or fourth read of it, but it's been ages since I last read it, so there were quite a few details that I'd forgotten. I still love it as much as ever, though.
Sybel is a young woman who's a powerful wizard. Raised in isolation by her father on Eld Mountain and orphaned at age 16, she's inherited a marvelous menagerie of powerful and wise magical animals. When a young lord, Coren, brings her a baby, Tamlorn, a pawn in the power plays of men, and begs her to raise and protect him, she somewhat reluctantly agrees. But twelve years later, Coren asks for Tamlorn back ... and then Tamlorn's father, King Drede, appears at Sybel's door. And Sybel finds herself very unwillingly drawn into their world.
**slightly spoilerish discussion of symbols in the rest of this review**
Thoughts on symbolism: Rommalb/Blammor, of course, is fear - that's made quite explicit. I've always thought the Liralen was a pretty clear symbol of love, but I did a little spot-checking of online reviews and saw some other people suggest that it's happiness or joy. That would make some sense, but I still think love is the better answer. For one thing, when Sybel calls the Liralen, she usually is subconsciously calling Coren.
It's an interesting idea, though, the juxtaposition of fear with love (or happiness) as flip sides to the same magical creature.
A beautiful book.
I finished this off yesterday in one day, as part of a buddy read with the Buddies, Books and Baubles group. It's probably my third or fourth read of it, but it's been ages since I last read it, so there were quite a few details that I'd forgotten. I still love it as much as ever, though.
Sybel is a young woman who's a powerful wizard. Raised in isolation by her father on Eld Mountain and orphaned at age 16, she's inherited a marvelous menagerie of powerful and wise magical animals. When a young lord, Coren, brings her a baby, Tamlorn, a pawn in the power plays of men, and begs her to raise and protect him, she somewhat reluctantly agrees. But twelve years later, Coren asks for Tamlorn back ... and then Tamlorn's father, King Drede, appears at Sybel's door. And Sybel finds herself very unwillingly drawn into their world.
**slightly spoilerish discussion of symbols in the rest of this review**
Thoughts on symbolism: Rommalb/Blammor, of course, is fear - that's made quite explicit. I've always thought the Liralen was a pretty clear symbol of love, but I did a little spot-checking of online reviews and saw some other people suggest that it's happiness or joy. That would make some sense, but I still think love is the better answer. For one thing, when Sybel calls the Liralen, she usually is subconsciously calling Coren.
It's an interesting idea, though, the juxtaposition of fear with love (or happiness) as flip sides to the same magical creature.
A beautiful book.
October 22, 2018
What a magical book!! Just what I needed!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
April 16, 2021
Una novela de ڲԳٲí que se aleja del típico viaje del heroe, pero que, en realidad, sí que es un viaje (de la heroína, en este caso). Solo que es más interior que otra cosa. Que alguien por favor le pase este libro a Miyazaki antes de que se retire definitivamente (algún día lo hará de verdad, digo yo), porque me encantaría que Ghibli adaptara esta historia en una película de dibujos animados. Nada me haría más ilusión. Tiene la mezcla perfecta entre algo de Le Guin (el poder de los nombres), los cuentos de hadas clásicos, animales fantásticos, una protagonista de fuerte carácter y un hombre que le sigue porque el amor todo lo puede. Esto es más Ghibli que nada que haya hecho Ghibli.
Me hace gracia que al final esta novela vaya de Sybel, una joven hechicera que vivía tranquilamente en su casa de la montaña sin hacer daño a nadie y no paren de molestarla para meterla en mierdas varias. El mundo se construye con pequeñas leyendas, como si fueran cuentos, dándole un carácter muy clásico, al mismo tiempo que cuenta una trama algo diferente a la que estamos acostumbradas en este género.
La novela también está construida como una tragedia. De hecho, como una tragedia clásica. Pero la ڲԳٲí moderna (aunque este libro tenga sus años) no es trágica, así que no termina como habría podido sospechar. No es que me decepcione (la novela me ha encantado), pero sí que hubo un momento en el que me hubiera gustado que se adentrara en lugares aún más oscuros. Porque tiene momentos tenebrosos y Sybel crece mucho como personaje, pero también es cierto que adentrarse más en ello no hubiera casado del todo con el tono general del libro. Ni con el mensaje.
Me ha gustado mucho esta novela de preciosísima portada y deliciosa traducción, que tiene la refrescante característica de ser autoconclusiva. Y mi animal favorito es Ter. Ter es el mejor. Ter siempre en nuestros corazones.
Me hace gracia que al final esta novela vaya de Sybel, una joven hechicera que vivía tranquilamente en su casa de la montaña sin hacer daño a nadie y no paren de molestarla para meterla en mierdas varias. El mundo se construye con pequeñas leyendas, como si fueran cuentos, dándole un carácter muy clásico, al mismo tiempo que cuenta una trama algo diferente a la que estamos acostumbradas en este género.
La novela también está construida como una tragedia. De hecho, como una tragedia clásica. Pero la ڲԳٲí moderna (aunque este libro tenga sus años) no es trágica, así que no termina como habría podido sospechar. No es que me decepcione (la novela me ha encantado), pero sí que hubo un momento en el que me hubiera gustado que se adentrara en lugares aún más oscuros. Porque tiene momentos tenebrosos y Sybel crece mucho como personaje, pero también es cierto que adentrarse más en ello no hubiera casado del todo con el tono general del libro. Ni con el mensaje.
Me ha gustado mucho esta novela de preciosísima portada y deliciosa traducción, que tiene la refrescante característica de ser autoconclusiva. Y mi animal favorito es Ter. Ter es el mejor. Ter siempre en nuestros corazones.
May 5, 2024
A dramatic, lyrical ballad locked into simple prose. Obscure, seemingly effortless, magical and breathtaking.
I don't think I have ever come across a book like this before in the fantasy genre.
If I were to tell you what the story is about, it would not amount to much and there is hardly any worldbuilding, but the writing is so compelling, so powerful, so seductive and beautiful that I just cannot shake the effect it had on me.
The music I kept hearing in my head while reading was the musical suite, The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns, especially The Swan movement.
Also there is a strong medieval feel to the whole story and I was very much reminded of the Arthurian myth by the relationship between Sybel, Coren and Drede. There was a strong Guinever-Lancelot-Arthur resemblance, though most of the time Sybel appeared to me as.
�-----�-----------
Arc received by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't think I have ever come across a book like this before in the fantasy genre.
If I were to tell you what the story is about, it would not amount to much and there is hardly any worldbuilding, but the writing is so compelling, so powerful, so seductive and beautiful that I just cannot shake the effect it had on me.
The music I kept hearing in my head while reading was the musical suite, The Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns, especially The Swan movement.
Also there is a strong medieval feel to the whole story and I was very much reminded of the Arthurian myth by the relationship between Sybel, Coren and Drede. There was a strong Guinever-Lancelot-Arthur resemblance, though most of the time Sybel appeared to me as.
�-----�-----------
Arc received by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2019
This book gave me chills. Still does.
I went in knowing nothing about it. I mean, I did skim some of the reviews, so I knew it was highly rated and people seemed to love, but other than that, I had no idea what it's about or what to expect, and I had never read Patricia McKillip before.
And that was the best way to approach because the writing blew me away. It is simply SO GOOD and has a beautiful fluidity to it that makes it so easy to fall into.
What impresses me most is that the prose is neither purple nor flowery; it's just lovely to read. There's a dreamy, poignant, lyrical quality to it, yet it's so easy to read and so concise. There's not an unnecessary scene or line or moment anywhere. Every word serves a purpose, and not once during the read did I feel like the story was wandering around aimlessly. Nothing is out of place, and so much happens in so few pages. And I just love that kind of writing--purposeful and minimalistic in execution.
So what is this book about?
Briefly: Sybel, a young powerful sorceress who knows nothing of the world below her mountain and wants nothing to do with it, is pushed into the affairs of two warring sides within a kingdom when a baby is brought to her to raise.
On one side, there's an insecure king who fears being dethroned. On the other side, there's family of nobles who would like to dethrone the king. Their animosity toward each other go way back. Both sides want Sybel and use her powers for their own, but only one seeks out a way to break and bind her to their will. What follows is an all consuming tale of near destruction.
Well... not exactly, but that was what it felt like during the read, like everything was coming apart at the seams, and I could not turn the page fast enough.
Sometimes, after a string of bland genre picks, I would forget what it's like to read well written fantasy, but then something always comes along to remind me. McKillip was the perfect reminder.
Cross-posted at
I went in knowing nothing about it. I mean, I did skim some of the reviews, so I knew it was highly rated and people seemed to love, but other than that, I had no idea what it's about or what to expect, and I had never read Patricia McKillip before.
And that was the best way to approach because the writing blew me away. It is simply SO GOOD and has a beautiful fluidity to it that makes it so easy to fall into.
What impresses me most is that the prose is neither purple nor flowery; it's just lovely to read. There's a dreamy, poignant, lyrical quality to it, yet it's so easy to read and so concise. There's not an unnecessary scene or line or moment anywhere. Every word serves a purpose, and not once during the read did I feel like the story was wandering around aimlessly. Nothing is out of place, and so much happens in so few pages. And I just love that kind of writing--purposeful and minimalistic in execution.
So what is this book about?
Briefly: Sybel, a young powerful sorceress who knows nothing of the world below her mountain and wants nothing to do with it, is pushed into the affairs of two warring sides within a kingdom when a baby is brought to her to raise.
On one side, there's an insecure king who fears being dethroned. On the other side, there's family of nobles who would like to dethrone the king. Their animosity toward each other go way back. Both sides want Sybel and use her powers for their own, but only one seeks out a way to break and bind her to their will. What follows is an all consuming tale of near destruction.
Well... not exactly, but that was what it felt like during the read, like everything was coming apart at the seams, and I could not turn the page fast enough.
Sometimes, after a string of bland genre picks, I would forget what it's like to read well written fantasy, but then something always comes along to remind me. McKillip was the perfect reminder.
"What, in years to come, will you have in your life but a silence that is meaningless, ancient names that are never spoken beyond these walls? Who will you laugh with, when Tam is grown? Who will you love? The Liralen? It is a dream. Beyond this mountain, there is a place for you among the living."
"You can weave your life for so long--only so long, and then a thing in the world out of your control will tug at one vital thread and leave you patternless and subdued."
"Be patient. It will soon be over."
"Soon is such a long word," she whispered.
Cross-posted at
January 19, 2019
"When Myk went out of himself forever, sitting silent in the moonlight, his son Ogam continued the collection."
I'm convinced this is the most hauntingly beautiful description of death I have ever encountered in literature.
I'm convinced this is the most hauntingly beautiful description of death I have ever encountered in literature.
January 27, 2024
“The giant Grof was hit in one eye by a stone, and that eye turned inward so that it looked into his mind and he died of what he saw there.�
Spoilers follow, as well as as a discussion of sexual violence.
So What's It About?
The young sorceress Sybel lives alone on her mountain, surrounded by the marvelous, ancient beasts of legend that her father called to him. She is content to tend to the animals and gather secrets, but one night a strange young man comes to the mountain with a baby in his arms. The baby is a relation of Sybel's, born to the Queen of Drede and her lover. Sybel knows nothing of love but she takes the baby in, drawing her into the treacherous world of human power and emotion for the first time.
What I Thought
I really wish I had a sufficient grasp of the English language to tell you how Patricia McKillip's writing makes me feel. In my opinion there are few fantasy authors who have as perfect a command of the written word. She is poetic without becoming overwrought, thoughtful without becoming ponderous, ethereal without becoming detached from the humanity of her characters. Each one of her novels is a perfect little dreamscape, an exquisitely-wrought fairy tale that unfolds before you one lush sentence at a time.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is in many ways concerned with what it means to exist with others in the word. Sybel is constantly torn between isolating herself on her mountain and descending into the world of men: one way lies certainty and safety but loneliness and emptiness, the other way lies all of the joy and terrifying pain that comes from vulnerability. When she is hurt in the deepest way after venturing into the world of men, the book also considers the question of what Sybel owes the world in return for the ways that it has both wronged her and provided her with joy- does she owe it her rage and vengeance, or her continued love and vulnerability?
I think the book is at its most powerful when it meditates on love and hate, and how we change based not only how we love and hate, but on how we act based on these emotions. At the start of the book Sybel tells Coren that she does "not understand loving and hating, only being and knowing." She is skittish and cold, slow to trust and deeply leery of others, but gradually comes to know what it truly means to care for others as she is drawn into the world with Coren, Tam and the mountain witch Maegla. Her relationship with Coren is at the heart of her struggle between isolation and trust:
"What do you think love is—a thing to startle from the heart like a bird at every shout or blow? You can fly from me, high as you choose into your darkness, but you will see me always beneath you, no matter how far away, with my face turned to you. My heart is in your heart. I gave it to you with my name that night and you are its guardian, to treasure it, or let it wither and die."
Sybel learns to hate when the King of Drede, in his obsession with her, hires a sorcerer to strip away her willpower so she will belong to him without any question of a struggle. The sorcerer, Mithran, decides that he will keep Sybel for himself instead, and she is paralyzed as he begins to assault her. After killing him and escaping, Sybel's hatred for the king grows and consumes her:
"How did you hate? Did you nurse revenge from a tiny, moon-pale seedling in the night places in your heart, watch it grow and flower and bear dark fruit that hung ripe—ripe for the plucking? It becomes a great, twisted thing of dark leaves and thick, winding vines that chokes and withers whatever good things grow in your heart; it feeds on all the hatred your heart can bear—That is what is in me, Coren. Not all the wondrous joy and love of you can wither that night plant in me."
She embraces all of the coldness that she once harbored for the world and hatches a plot that will strip Drede of all of his power and leave him helpless and terrified just as he tried to do with her. It is a plot that involves war, manipulation and deceiving Coren while strategizing with his violence-mongering brothers. Ultimately, she realizes that she must confront the mass of hatred and love that has grown inside of her. I want to return to this thought after considering the attack on Sybel in a little more depth.
Drede and Mithran both attempt to strip Sybel of all agency and control her utterly. Their violence towards her is at its heart a matter of men being afraid of a woman's power: in this case her literal magical power and knowledge, but also her ability to consent or not, to reject them think independently for herself and find them wanting. They cannot experience love or desire outside a context of complete control because of this fear; they cannot experience admiration for Sybel without this terror that she will be more powerful than them. In some ways I think this is another meditation on vulnerability; this time, the way that our constructions of masculinity perpetuate violence towards women through their destruction of vulnerability:
“Sybel, I am helpless in this matter. I want you, but I am afraid of you..."
After their attacks on her, Sybel's story becomes one of all-consuming rage as a result of victimization. It's common to hear that there is no wrong emotional response to experiencing trauma, and the core message here is very much in line with this. But what I think McKillip is concerned with goes beyond what one feels and extends to what one does in response to trauma. Sybel's ultimate realization is that she has every right to feel hatred and anger in response to what was done to her, but she has hurt those she loves by deceiving and manipulating them, plotting for a war that would destroy their lives and manipulating Coren's mind just as Mithran would have done to her. In the process she has also damaged herself:
“But you had a right to be angry.�
“Yes. But not to hurt those I love, or myself."
It's the story of a marvelous, strange young woman and the tremendous power that she wields, it's the story of her ancient beasts and their secrets, it's the story of love that survives great wrongs, and it is ultimately the story of Sybel starting to heal:
"Come with me tomorrow through the forest; we will gather black mushrooms and herbs that, crushed against the fingers, give a magic smell. You will feel the sun on your hair and the rich earth beneath your feet, and the fresh winds scented with the spice of snow from the hidden places on Eld Mountain. Be patient, as you must always be patient with new pale seeds buried in the dark ground. When you are stronger, you can begin to think again. But now is the time to feel.�
Spoilers follow, as well as as a discussion of sexual violence.
So What's It About?
The young sorceress Sybel lives alone on her mountain, surrounded by the marvelous, ancient beasts of legend that her father called to him. She is content to tend to the animals and gather secrets, but one night a strange young man comes to the mountain with a baby in his arms. The baby is a relation of Sybel's, born to the Queen of Drede and her lover. Sybel knows nothing of love but she takes the baby in, drawing her into the treacherous world of human power and emotion for the first time.
What I Thought
I really wish I had a sufficient grasp of the English language to tell you how Patricia McKillip's writing makes me feel. In my opinion there are few fantasy authors who have as perfect a command of the written word. She is poetic without becoming overwrought, thoughtful without becoming ponderous, ethereal without becoming detached from the humanity of her characters. Each one of her novels is a perfect little dreamscape, an exquisitely-wrought fairy tale that unfolds before you one lush sentence at a time.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is in many ways concerned with what it means to exist with others in the word. Sybel is constantly torn between isolating herself on her mountain and descending into the world of men: one way lies certainty and safety but loneliness and emptiness, the other way lies all of the joy and terrifying pain that comes from vulnerability. When she is hurt in the deepest way after venturing into the world of men, the book also considers the question of what Sybel owes the world in return for the ways that it has both wronged her and provided her with joy- does she owe it her rage and vengeance, or her continued love and vulnerability?
I think the book is at its most powerful when it meditates on love and hate, and how we change based not only how we love and hate, but on how we act based on these emotions. At the start of the book Sybel tells Coren that she does "not understand loving and hating, only being and knowing." She is skittish and cold, slow to trust and deeply leery of others, but gradually comes to know what it truly means to care for others as she is drawn into the world with Coren, Tam and the mountain witch Maegla. Her relationship with Coren is at the heart of her struggle between isolation and trust:
"What do you think love is—a thing to startle from the heart like a bird at every shout or blow? You can fly from me, high as you choose into your darkness, but you will see me always beneath you, no matter how far away, with my face turned to you. My heart is in your heart. I gave it to you with my name that night and you are its guardian, to treasure it, or let it wither and die."
Sybel learns to hate when the King of Drede, in his obsession with her, hires a sorcerer to strip away her willpower so she will belong to him without any question of a struggle. The sorcerer, Mithran, decides that he will keep Sybel for himself instead, and she is paralyzed as he begins to assault her. After killing him and escaping, Sybel's hatred for the king grows and consumes her:
"How did you hate? Did you nurse revenge from a tiny, moon-pale seedling in the night places in your heart, watch it grow and flower and bear dark fruit that hung ripe—ripe for the plucking? It becomes a great, twisted thing of dark leaves and thick, winding vines that chokes and withers whatever good things grow in your heart; it feeds on all the hatred your heart can bear—That is what is in me, Coren. Not all the wondrous joy and love of you can wither that night plant in me."
She embraces all of the coldness that she once harbored for the world and hatches a plot that will strip Drede of all of his power and leave him helpless and terrified just as he tried to do with her. It is a plot that involves war, manipulation and deceiving Coren while strategizing with his violence-mongering brothers. Ultimately, she realizes that she must confront the mass of hatred and love that has grown inside of her. I want to return to this thought after considering the attack on Sybel in a little more depth.
Drede and Mithran both attempt to strip Sybel of all agency and control her utterly. Their violence towards her is at its heart a matter of men being afraid of a woman's power: in this case her literal magical power and knowledge, but also her ability to consent or not, to reject them think independently for herself and find them wanting. They cannot experience love or desire outside a context of complete control because of this fear; they cannot experience admiration for Sybel without this terror that she will be more powerful than them. In some ways I think this is another meditation on vulnerability; this time, the way that our constructions of masculinity perpetuate violence towards women through their destruction of vulnerability:
“Sybel, I am helpless in this matter. I want you, but I am afraid of you..."
After their attacks on her, Sybel's story becomes one of all-consuming rage as a result of victimization. It's common to hear that there is no wrong emotional response to experiencing trauma, and the core message here is very much in line with this. But what I think McKillip is concerned with goes beyond what one feels and extends to what one does in response to trauma. Sybel's ultimate realization is that she has every right to feel hatred and anger in response to what was done to her, but she has hurt those she loves by deceiving and manipulating them, plotting for a war that would destroy their lives and manipulating Coren's mind just as Mithran would have done to her. In the process she has also damaged herself:
“But you had a right to be angry.�
“Yes. But not to hurt those I love, or myself."
It's the story of a marvelous, strange young woman and the tremendous power that she wields, it's the story of her ancient beasts and their secrets, it's the story of love that survives great wrongs, and it is ultimately the story of Sybel starting to heal:
"Come with me tomorrow through the forest; we will gather black mushrooms and herbs that, crushed against the fingers, give a magic smell. You will feel the sun on your hair and the rich earth beneath your feet, and the fresh winds scented with the spice of snow from the hidden places on Eld Mountain. Be patient, as you must always be patient with new pale seeds buried in the dark ground. When you are stronger, you can begin to think again. But now is the time to feel.�
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2018
What made this novel really amazing is how excellent Patricia A. McKillip wrote this. The author used her skill to write majestic words to describe each character and places, as well as breathtaking prose to narrate the story.
If I'm not mistaken, this book was first published four decades ago and that it also won the World Fantasy Award for Novel in 1975. It wouldn't be winning an award if it's not good, right? McKillip utilized her eloquence that made the story of Sybel, Tam, Coren, and of the beasts a truly astounding novel that everyone must read.
If I'm not mistaken, this book was first published four decades ago and that it also won the World Fantasy Award for Novel in 1975. It wouldn't be winning an award if it's not good, right? McKillip utilized her eloquence that made the story of Sybel, Tam, Coren, and of the beasts a truly astounding novel that everyone must read.
September 10, 2014
This is my favorite book of all time. If I had to pick a desert island book, it would be this one.
There is something about the way this book flows that is actually literary magic. It's about magic, and riddles, and all sort of other legendary things but it's like fractal mathematics: beautiful, impossible for an ordinary human to understand, and yet hypnotic. Just the opening paragraph is chilling, and thrilling, and all sort of other trilling llls in a row. I can't describe this book, because its better than that. It's not funny, or cute, or silly or any of those things. It's a work of pure lyrical genius. If you haven't read it yet, shame on you.
There is something about the way this book flows that is actually literary magic. It's about magic, and riddles, and all sort of other legendary things but it's like fractal mathematics: beautiful, impossible for an ordinary human to understand, and yet hypnotic. Just the opening paragraph is chilling, and thrilling, and all sort of other trilling llls in a row. I can't describe this book, because its better than that. It's not funny, or cute, or silly or any of those things. It's a work of pure lyrical genius. If you haven't read it yet, shame on you.
March 3, 2025
You know how sometimes you read an “adult� book and it is so YA even though on paper it is about adults?
Well here we have YA novel that does not look down on teens and respects their mental capacities and believes they deserve a smart mature story. This book is so glorious and sophisticated. It touches the questions of great power, great responsibility, Peter Parker style; revenge and its consequences; the stupid bloodiness and human cost of war; what it means to truly love another person. And all the while telling you a dreamy beautiful fairytale with elegant prose.
Well here we have YA novel that does not look down on teens and respects their mental capacities and believes they deserve a smart mature story. This book is so glorious and sophisticated. It touches the questions of great power, great responsibility, Peter Parker style; revenge and its consequences; the stupid bloodiness and human cost of war; what it means to truly love another person. And all the while telling you a dreamy beautiful fairytale with elegant prose.
November 25, 2011
One day will write a bad book and that'll be the first sign of the impending apocalypse. I have no idea how I went through so many years of my life without having read her books. Actually, that would probably be because there are no Portuguese translations and I have to buy the originals from the UK.
is, in a word, delightful. Like all of McKillip's books the reader is lost in her magical worlds from the very first page. She writes things and they seem to come alive, to leave the written paper and surround you, wherever you may be reading.
Honestly, this book was so wonderful I was almost run over by a car while reading it and walking on the street.
is, in a word, delightful. Like all of McKillip's books the reader is lost in her magical worlds from the very first page. She writes things and they seem to come alive, to leave the written paper and surround you, wherever you may be reading.
Honestly, this book was so wonderful I was almost run over by a car while reading it and walking on the street.
April 16, 2021
Michael Ende, Ursula K. LeGuin, Louise Cooper, Guy Gavriel Kay y Juliet Marillier son los ingredientes con los que se ha cocinado la imaginación de Patricia A. McKillip, no tengo pruebas pero tampoco dudas. Esta es la novela que mi yo de 14 años buscaba desesperadamente en la biblioteca del colegio sin encontrarla. Porque no estaba traducida ni publicada en castellano. Es posible que esta reseña suene como el entusiasmo de una renacuaja de 14 años que se escondía en la biblioteca los días de lluvia (en mi zona eso era un total de 363 dias al año, más o menos).
El estilo de McKillip destila años 80 por todas partes. Aunque el lenguaje no ha envejecido nada y la traducción le hace justicia de sobras, es un libro ochentero. Es una novela de ڲԳٲí que me traslada a los tiempos en que, al menos por aquí, a la ڲԳٲí se le llamaba novela "de aventuras". Que era un género en el que luego cabia de todo: desde "La historia interminable" a "Los tres mosqueteros" pasando por "El conde de Montecristo". Y productos audiovisuales como la serie animada de "Dragones y Mazmorras" (es que tiene muchisimo de esa serie, por ejemplo, la hechicera Maelga en mi cabeza tiene la cara del Amo del calabozo), "Legend" o "Lady Halcón" (De hecho hay un halcón y es la criatura más maravillosa del libro, humanos incluidos. Se llama Ter).
La representación importa y aquí tenemos a una joven hechicera que controla criaturas mágicas que, salvo por el dragón (sí, hay un dragon), parecen animales salvajes normales. Para Sybel son amigos fieles, pero para el comun de los mortales no. Sybel es la hechicera de la montaña de Eld, vive apartada de la sociedad en una casa rodeada de árboles, lagos, y rocas (hola, Princesa Mononoke). Cuando tiene 16 años aparece un joven en su puerta con un bebé en brazos y le ruega que se haga cargo del niño porque corre peligro. Durante 12 años la joven ve crecer al niño hasta que a éste le es revelado que es hijo de un rey. El joven que lo protegió es un príncipe del reino enfrentado con el suyo, pero Sybel no quiere saber nada de guerras, odios y tejemanejes de los hombres, por lo que deja al niño marchar. Y entonces pasan cosas que cambian la esencia de la hechicera para siempre.
La historia gira en torno a la idea de el poder de un nombre. Esto no es nada nuevo y de hecho otros autores posteriores (ejemPatrickRothfussejem) han jugado con esa idea. Pero es una idea muy antigua. Algunas tribus nativas americanas creen en el poder del nombre. Hay paises en los que antiguamente se daban tres nombres a los niños al nacer y no formaban un compuesto sino que uno era el nombre público, el otro el privado y un tercero era con el que les llamaban sus familiares. Quien conoce un nombre puede controlar a su poseedor.
Este libro se basta bastante en la historia del camino del héroe, aunque con particularidades: el héroe es una mujer, a la mujer le han hecho mucho daño, su "Gandalf" o consejero es un jabalí que habla, la heroína hace el camino a la inversa: de la luz a la oscuridad... Y por lo demás casi todo sigue las mismas pautas. Hay una historia de amor, unos guerreros un poco tontos, hay un niño que es "el elegido" pero no, porque la que mola es la madre adoptiva, hay reyes malvados pero porque lo han pasado mal en la vida, hay venganzas, hay hechiceros super poderosos y super chungos...
Y lo mejor: es un libro autoconclusivo.
Pero todo esto lo explica mucho mejor Eli en su reseña, que es perfecta: Reseña de Libros Prestados
El estilo de McKillip destila años 80 por todas partes. Aunque el lenguaje no ha envejecido nada y la traducción le hace justicia de sobras, es un libro ochentero. Es una novela de ڲԳٲí que me traslada a los tiempos en que, al menos por aquí, a la ڲԳٲí se le llamaba novela "de aventuras". Que era un género en el que luego cabia de todo: desde "La historia interminable" a "Los tres mosqueteros" pasando por "El conde de Montecristo". Y productos audiovisuales como la serie animada de "Dragones y Mazmorras" (es que tiene muchisimo de esa serie, por ejemplo, la hechicera Maelga en mi cabeza tiene la cara del Amo del calabozo), "Legend" o "Lady Halcón" (De hecho hay un halcón y es la criatura más maravillosa del libro, humanos incluidos. Se llama Ter).
La representación importa y aquí tenemos a una joven hechicera que controla criaturas mágicas que, salvo por el dragón (sí, hay un dragon), parecen animales salvajes normales. Para Sybel son amigos fieles, pero para el comun de los mortales no. Sybel es la hechicera de la montaña de Eld, vive apartada de la sociedad en una casa rodeada de árboles, lagos, y rocas (hola, Princesa Mononoke). Cuando tiene 16 años aparece un joven en su puerta con un bebé en brazos y le ruega que se haga cargo del niño porque corre peligro. Durante 12 años la joven ve crecer al niño hasta que a éste le es revelado que es hijo de un rey. El joven que lo protegió es un príncipe del reino enfrentado con el suyo, pero Sybel no quiere saber nada de guerras, odios y tejemanejes de los hombres, por lo que deja al niño marchar. Y entonces pasan cosas que cambian la esencia de la hechicera para siempre.
La historia gira en torno a la idea de el poder de un nombre. Esto no es nada nuevo y de hecho otros autores posteriores (ejemPatrickRothfussejem) han jugado con esa idea. Pero es una idea muy antigua. Algunas tribus nativas americanas creen en el poder del nombre. Hay paises en los que antiguamente se daban tres nombres a los niños al nacer y no formaban un compuesto sino que uno era el nombre público, el otro el privado y un tercero era con el que les llamaban sus familiares. Quien conoce un nombre puede controlar a su poseedor.
Este libro se basta bastante en la historia del camino del héroe, aunque con particularidades: el héroe es una mujer, a la mujer le han hecho mucho daño, su "Gandalf" o consejero es un jabalí que habla, la heroína hace el camino a la inversa: de la luz a la oscuridad... Y por lo demás casi todo sigue las mismas pautas. Hay una historia de amor, unos guerreros un poco tontos, hay un niño que es "el elegido" pero no, porque la que mola es la madre adoptiva, hay reyes malvados pero porque lo han pasado mal en la vida, hay venganzas, hay hechiceros super poderosos y super chungos...
Y lo mejor: es un libro autoconclusivo.
Pero todo esto lo explica mucho mejor Eli en su reseña, que es perfecta: Reseña de Libros Prestados
September 16, 2017
See this review and more like it on
This year when I started book review blogging, I realized that I was reading an awful lot of brand new books that were garnering a lot of hype. Not that that's a bad thing, but I decided along the way that when the opportunity presented itself I also wanted to better acquaint myself with older books.
Stories that had been around for a lot longer are often written in a different way than the books of today. There's less focus on continuous action moving the plot, and in favor of more of a slow burn and lyrical prose.
In a lot of ways McKillip's writing style reminded me of Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice which I also read earlier this year. It's lofty and ambitious, and while the prose sometimes feels a little like it's meandering around descriptions and feelings, every word is purposefully chosen to deliver on the allegory of love and the unexpected places it takes a person. Aside from the comparison to Hobb, there's also similarities shared with the old-style fairy tales, like the ones we might read as children. There are brief moments of darkness, but McKillip instead highlights all of the beauty and wonder of her world and it never stops feeling magical.
I can't lie though, it certainly was a challenge at times. McKillip doesn't serve every meaning to the reader on a silver platter. Instead, a lot is inferred during conversations or in the subtext. I think this is the type of story that I could read a dozen times over and pick something new out of it each time. There are also a lot of references to places, people and events in the world that the reader never sees. It all serves to make the setting feel more open and lived in, and while it can be overwhelming, fans of the fantasy genre will find a lot to love there.
As a parable about love and loss, motherhood and letting go, it truly is a wonderful read. A lot of fantasy novels become grounded in the fantastic. In the magical battles and swords and shields and plots for power. Those same topics are certainly brought up here, but they're touched upon in an ancillary sort of way as Mckillip chooses to ground her novel in very human struggles instead.
It was a lovely take on fantasy, and in a lot of ways the story still feels timeless in spite of having first been published in 1974.
A lovely and beautifully written story.
4 out of 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Tachyon Publications for an ARC of this book!
This year when I started book review blogging, I realized that I was reading an awful lot of brand new books that were garnering a lot of hype. Not that that's a bad thing, but I decided along the way that when the opportunity presented itself I also wanted to better acquaint myself with older books.
Stories that had been around for a lot longer are often written in a different way than the books of today. There's less focus on continuous action moving the plot, and in favor of more of a slow burn and lyrical prose.
In a lot of ways McKillip's writing style reminded me of Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice which I also read earlier this year. It's lofty and ambitious, and while the prose sometimes feels a little like it's meandering around descriptions and feelings, every word is purposefully chosen to deliver on the allegory of love and the unexpected places it takes a person. Aside from the comparison to Hobb, there's also similarities shared with the old-style fairy tales, like the ones we might read as children. There are brief moments of darkness, but McKillip instead highlights all of the beauty and wonder of her world and it never stops feeling magical.
I can't lie though, it certainly was a challenge at times. McKillip doesn't serve every meaning to the reader on a silver platter. Instead, a lot is inferred during conversations or in the subtext. I think this is the type of story that I could read a dozen times over and pick something new out of it each time. There are also a lot of references to places, people and events in the world that the reader never sees. It all serves to make the setting feel more open and lived in, and while it can be overwhelming, fans of the fantasy genre will find a lot to love there.
As a parable about love and loss, motherhood and letting go, it truly is a wonderful read. A lot of fantasy novels become grounded in the fantastic. In the magical battles and swords and shields and plots for power. Those same topics are certainly brought up here, but they're touched upon in an ancillary sort of way as Mckillip chooses to ground her novel in very human struggles instead.
It was a lovely take on fantasy, and in a lot of ways the story still feels timeless in spite of having first been published in 1974.
A lovely and beautifully written story.
4 out of 5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and Tachyon Publications for an ARC of this book!
September 13, 2016
Patricia A. Mckillip is one of my favourite fantasy writers. At the risk of sounding politically incorrect in a PC world, I find her voice uniquely feminine. Her prose is both rhythmical and intoxicating.
In this novel of isolation and seclusion, Sybil is brought up by her father on Eld mountain. Her sole companions are animals, which her father calls to the area. When Sybil's father passes away, isolated Sybil - still with only her beasts for company- studies magic to evolve into a powerful sorceress. Sybil expends much of her time trying to call-up a unique creature that might grant her more liberty, yet one day, a man called Coren arrives requesting that Sybil raises and protects a baby. Sybil is soon drawn into a conflict of the outside world of men, and the baby, Tam, matures.
The novel explores isolation and individual growth through the love and friendship of others, along with the more darker traits of the human condition - the quest and rivalry for power. McKillip has a deft touch, and both the plot and her unique style of writing will make this a compelling read for most. It's targeted at a young adult audience but I personally feel as though adult readers will glean just as much, if not more, from this strong work.
In this novel of isolation and seclusion, Sybil is brought up by her father on Eld mountain. Her sole companions are animals, which her father calls to the area. When Sybil's father passes away, isolated Sybil - still with only her beasts for company- studies magic to evolve into a powerful sorceress. Sybil expends much of her time trying to call-up a unique creature that might grant her more liberty, yet one day, a man called Coren arrives requesting that Sybil raises and protects a baby. Sybil is soon drawn into a conflict of the outside world of men, and the baby, Tam, matures.
The novel explores isolation and individual growth through the love and friendship of others, along with the more darker traits of the human condition - the quest and rivalry for power. McKillip has a deft touch, and both the plot and her unique style of writing will make this a compelling read for most. It's targeted at a young adult audience but I personally feel as though adult readers will glean just as much, if not more, from this strong work.
September 15, 2017
Originally reviewed at .
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a wonderfully written, richly textured, high fantasy from Patricia A. McKillip. Even though it is quite limited in length, it is still filled with insightful moments and fascinating insights; all of it set in beautifully rendered fairy tale world.
Sybel is a young, powerful sorceress, who has spent her life in isolation, her interaction with humans nonexistent. She knows nothing outside of her mountain home, nor does she really wish to know. Her only companions the magical creatures of her home. So when a baby is brought to her she isn’t quite prepared for the emotions this innocent child will evoke � nor is she ready for the power struggle she will be brought into when someone returns for the child.
What always catches me unprepared whenever I read (or reread) a Patricia A. McKillip novel is her unbelievable prose. It isn’t elaborate or flowery, merely lyrical and purposeful. Every word has its place and its use in her narratives, yet she never feels a need to expound unnecessarily. Important events taking place in pages rather than chapters. Concise, meaningful, and lovely. That is how this author writes, and I only wish more fantasy offerings these days mimicked her style.
As for the story itself, it was poignant, quick, and emotional. Sybel’s life, her choices, and the ones she love caught up in the quagmire she has unknowingly been drawn into. Her words and response to both the child and that which comes later filled with a layer of meaning and depth which will truly touches a reader’s heart strings.
As for any criticisms or complaints, I have none. McKillip has always been a writer I was in awe of, especially her amazing ability to craft an exciting fantasy tale that still finds a place for both dignity and seriousness in its pages, and The Enchanted Beasts of Eld was no exception, making me wonder only why it took me so long to actually read it.
Lyrical, complex, concise, and emotional, this novel is one I will be readily espousing to lovers of high fantasy, fairy tales, and beautifully writing. Patricia A. McKillip isn’t an author spoken of very often these days, but she should be, because her works are treasures of the genre.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld is a wonderfully written, richly textured, high fantasy from Patricia A. McKillip. Even though it is quite limited in length, it is still filled with insightful moments and fascinating insights; all of it set in beautifully rendered fairy tale world.
Sybel is a young, powerful sorceress, who has spent her life in isolation, her interaction with humans nonexistent. She knows nothing outside of her mountain home, nor does she really wish to know. Her only companions the magical creatures of her home. So when a baby is brought to her she isn’t quite prepared for the emotions this innocent child will evoke � nor is she ready for the power struggle she will be brought into when someone returns for the child.
What always catches me unprepared whenever I read (or reread) a Patricia A. McKillip novel is her unbelievable prose. It isn’t elaborate or flowery, merely lyrical and purposeful. Every word has its place and its use in her narratives, yet she never feels a need to expound unnecessarily. Important events taking place in pages rather than chapters. Concise, meaningful, and lovely. That is how this author writes, and I only wish more fantasy offerings these days mimicked her style.
As for the story itself, it was poignant, quick, and emotional. Sybel’s life, her choices, and the ones she love caught up in the quagmire she has unknowingly been drawn into. Her words and response to both the child and that which comes later filled with a layer of meaning and depth which will truly touches a reader’s heart strings.
As for any criticisms or complaints, I have none. McKillip has always been a writer I was in awe of, especially her amazing ability to craft an exciting fantasy tale that still finds a place for both dignity and seriousness in its pages, and The Enchanted Beasts of Eld was no exception, making me wonder only why it took me so long to actually read it.
Lyrical, complex, concise, and emotional, this novel is one I will be readily espousing to lovers of high fantasy, fairy tales, and beautifully writing. Patricia A. McKillip isn’t an author spoken of very often these days, but she should be, because her works are treasures of the genre.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
May 13, 2021
Patricia McKillip publicó en 1974 «Las bestias
olvidadas de Eld», novela con la que ganó el primer World Fantasy Award al año siguiente. A pesar de ser una autora de ڲԳٲí reconocida, no ha sido hasta ahora gracias a Duermevela Ediciones que ha aterrizado en nuestras tierras. Sin duda lo hará para quedarse dado que su obra es merecedora de múltiples alabanzas.
En esta historia conoceremos a Sybel, una joven hechicera de larga melena blanca y ojos de un negro profundo e hipnotizante, que vive aislada en lo alto de la montaña de Eld desde que su padre falleció. Allí tendrá la única compañía de algunos animales mágicos, con los que mantiene sabias conversaciones a través del pensamiento y a los que considera su familia.
Un día llegará un joven a las puertas de su hogar portándole un bebé, ella que no sabe amar, que jamás ha cuidado de ningún recién nacido deberá enfrentarse cara a cara con su propio destino. Nuestra protagonista, tiene un difícil despertar emocional, debe crecer ante las adversidades y habituarse a un mundo nuevo y complejo. Pero sobre todo deberá enfrentarse a su propio yo y a sus temores más ocultos.
Posiblemente sea uno de los libros de ڲԳٲí autoconclusivos que mejor reflejan las exquisitas virtudes de este género. Un cuento con toques de leyenda en el que se exploran muchos temas tales como la traición, la venganza y la integridad. Alza y empodera el valor de una heroína inolvidable, a la que cuesta no admirar durante toda su lectura pero que al final del camino demuestra ser formidablemente humana.
En definitiva, Patricia construye con sabiduría una novela intimista a la par que épica, dotada de una narración al más puro estilo clásico pero que a su vez, rompe los estereotipos de la época. Una lectura agradable y ligera que desarrolla muy bien las enseñanzas que quiere transmitirnos.
olvidadas de Eld», novela con la que ganó el primer World Fantasy Award al año siguiente. A pesar de ser una autora de ڲԳٲí reconocida, no ha sido hasta ahora gracias a Duermevela Ediciones que ha aterrizado en nuestras tierras. Sin duda lo hará para quedarse dado que su obra es merecedora de múltiples alabanzas.
En esta historia conoceremos a Sybel, una joven hechicera de larga melena blanca y ojos de un negro profundo e hipnotizante, que vive aislada en lo alto de la montaña de Eld desde que su padre falleció. Allí tendrá la única compañía de algunos animales mágicos, con los que mantiene sabias conversaciones a través del pensamiento y a los que considera su familia.
Un día llegará un joven a las puertas de su hogar portándole un bebé, ella que no sabe amar, que jamás ha cuidado de ningún recién nacido deberá enfrentarse cara a cara con su propio destino. Nuestra protagonista, tiene un difícil despertar emocional, debe crecer ante las adversidades y habituarse a un mundo nuevo y complejo. Pero sobre todo deberá enfrentarse a su propio yo y a sus temores más ocultos.
Posiblemente sea uno de los libros de ڲԳٲí autoconclusivos que mejor reflejan las exquisitas virtudes de este género. Un cuento con toques de leyenda en el que se exploran muchos temas tales como la traición, la venganza y la integridad. Alza y empodera el valor de una heroína inolvidable, a la que cuesta no admirar durante toda su lectura pero que al final del camino demuestra ser formidablemente humana.
En definitiva, Patricia construye con sabiduría una novela intimista a la par que épica, dotada de una narración al más puro estilo clásico pero que a su vez, rompe los estereotipos de la época. Una lectura agradable y ligera que desarrolla muy bien las enseñanzas que quiere transmitirnos.
April 27, 2025
Greatly enjoyed this overall. The Forgotten Beasts of Eld evokes the feeling of old legends and myths. It's set in a magical medieval-coded wold filled with kingdoms, sorcerers, wise old ladies, and legendary beasts. It also had a surprising, though very welcome, amount of humor. What I loved most about it was Sybel's character arc and the themes of isolation, love, grief, and trauma it explored; and what I liked the least was Coren.
January 4, 2018
I both liked and disliked this book... Took me ages to get invested in it (about half the book...), but then it got interesting. I feel like it's because midway, the book changes quite drastically. It starts involving FEELINGS. Love, revenge. Before that? I knew as much as you do what was going on.
There are reasons why I dislike high fantasy (or at least high-ish) fantasy, but I still keep trying... I should stop. I am not comfortable with a crucial thing most high fantasies do, and that's dropping 50 inconsequential names of legendary kings and beasts on me in the first page, none of which pretty much relate to the story at all, are described or are even to do with mythology - so basically, I end up with a jumble of interesting sounding syllables that mean nothing to me. Am I weird? This was a big problem for me with this book, and a reason I found to get it hard to get into at first.
But that isn't the only reason this book didn't hook first. The storytelling is basically like a fairytale. In one sentence they talk about a thing, in the next sentence, it's suddenly twelve years later and the thing has been done. A baby basically left at the doorstep suddenly becomes dearer than anyone the characters known before. People love each other although they've talked three times and disliked each other during those dialogues. They meet kings and talk with them as of they've always known them... Granted, it does give a fairytale vibe, but I do not enjoy this kind of storytelling because it's incredibly jumpy, and it also feels quite terribly unnatural. I had trouble paying attention.
But when it gets past that point, I must admit it does get interesting, and quite dark. And meaningful. If this book was like this in its entirety, I would have surely given it 4 stars! But I almost dropped it at 38%. So 3 stars it is. But if you like high fantasy, I'm sure you'll like this!
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There are reasons why I dislike high fantasy (or at least high-ish) fantasy, but I still keep trying... I should stop. I am not comfortable with a crucial thing most high fantasies do, and that's dropping 50 inconsequential names of legendary kings and beasts on me in the first page, none of which pretty much relate to the story at all, are described or are even to do with mythology - so basically, I end up with a jumble of interesting sounding syllables that mean nothing to me. Am I weird? This was a big problem for me with this book, and a reason I found to get it hard to get into at first.
But that isn't the only reason this book didn't hook first. The storytelling is basically like a fairytale. In one sentence they talk about a thing, in the next sentence, it's suddenly twelve years later and the thing has been done. A baby basically left at the doorstep suddenly becomes dearer than anyone the characters known before. People love each other although they've talked three times and disliked each other during those dialogues. They meet kings and talk with them as of they've always known them... Granted, it does give a fairytale vibe, but I do not enjoy this kind of storytelling because it's incredibly jumpy, and it also feels quite terribly unnatural. I had trouble paying attention.
But when it gets past that point, I must admit it does get interesting, and quite dark. And meaningful. If this book was like this in its entirety, I would have surely given it 4 stars! But I almost dropped it at 38%. So 3 stars it is. But if you like high fantasy, I'm sure you'll like this!
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April 14, 2024
This was a fantastic, beautiful story. Almost tragic, with some difficult things covered. TW
McKillip’s writing is gorgeous and has a fairy tale quality to it. She explores power, the nature of love, war, and betrayal. There are many difficult situations but ultimately our protagonists make it through all the stronger.
Thanks to the author’s estate, Tachyon and Netgalley for generously providing this review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
McKillip’s writing is gorgeous and has a fairy tale quality to it. She explores power, the nature of love, war, and betrayal. There are many difficult situations but ultimately our protagonists make it through all the stronger.
Thanks to the author’s estate, Tachyon and Netgalley for generously providing this review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 21, 2022
� 4,5
Había visto muchas menciones a esta obra y casi todas coincidían en señalar lo alternativo de la ڲԳٲí que ofrece esta autora y lo novedoso del enfoque por convertir en protagonista a un personaje que sería una mera secundaria en cualquier otra obra. Y sinceramente, no es un lugar común, es la mejor descripción que se puede hacer de este libro.
Esta novela tiene el regusto de la ڲԳٲí más tradicional, más canónica, pero decide poner el foco en todo lo que la ڲԳٲí tradicional suele obviar o arrinconar.
Es una historia que encuentra su fuerza en lo sutil. Como bien resumen el posfacio, es una novela que habla de la "importancia de llamar a cada cosa por su nombre" y de conocerse a uno mismo, cuestiones sencillas para las que probablemente nadie considere necesario el envoltorio de la épica fantástica pero que sin embargo le va como anillo al dedo.
Mención especial merece un capítulo hacia la mitad del libro que es el punto de inflexión necesario para que la tensión dramática estalle y que, como unidad aislada, me pareció sencillamente perfecto. Si queréis sorprenderos, no os la perdáis.
RESEÑA COMPLETA:
Había visto muchas menciones a esta obra y casi todas coincidían en señalar lo alternativo de la ڲԳٲí que ofrece esta autora y lo novedoso del enfoque por convertir en protagonista a un personaje que sería una mera secundaria en cualquier otra obra. Y sinceramente, no es un lugar común, es la mejor descripción que se puede hacer de este libro.
Esta novela tiene el regusto de la ڲԳٲí más tradicional, más canónica, pero decide poner el foco en todo lo que la ڲԳٲí tradicional suele obviar o arrinconar.
Es una historia que encuentra su fuerza en lo sutil. Como bien resumen el posfacio, es una novela que habla de la "importancia de llamar a cada cosa por su nombre" y de conocerse a uno mismo, cuestiones sencillas para las que probablemente nadie considere necesario el envoltorio de la épica fantástica pero que sin embargo le va como anillo al dedo.
Mención especial merece un capítulo hacia la mitad del libro que es el punto de inflexión necesario para que la tensión dramática estalle y que, como unidad aislada, me pareció sencillamente perfecto. Si queréis sorprenderos, no os la perdáis.
RESEÑA COMPLETA:
February 7, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
Reading this felt like revisiting my childhood and adolescence when I read a lot of classic fantasy titles. There's a certain quality of complete transportation to another world, but in a dreamy sort of way. We follow a powerful sorceress who only wants to live quietly with her animals, but men keep pulling her into their hatred and war. But also she falls in love with one of them so it's complicated. It's a bit melancholy, but beautifully written and feels just as relevant today. I'm glad I finally got to this and would like to revisit it in the future. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Reading this felt like revisiting my childhood and adolescence when I read a lot of classic fantasy titles. There's a certain quality of complete transportation to another world, but in a dreamy sort of way. We follow a powerful sorceress who only wants to live quietly with her animals, but men keep pulling her into their hatred and war. But also she falls in love with one of them so it's complicated. It's a bit melancholy, but beautifully written and feels just as relevant today. I'm glad I finally got to this and would like to revisit it in the future. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
July 30, 2018
I know I've read this before but so long ago that I only got brief glimpses/memories of scenes as I read them. Which is just as well because I doubt very much that I could have appreciated the depth of this story when I read it all those years ago.
This story has a kind of oral/bardic beginning that sets the tone for the lyrical beauty of the rest of the prose. It's part style, part choice of imagery that gives it a kind of mythic flavor that might have been off-putting if the underlying story weren't so deeply human. I loved it from the start which is interesting because it is quickly apparent that the magic of this world is one of compulsion and control and I have a visceral reaction against such. Sybel has a light touch with her animals, but the narrative doesn't flinch from the truth that she could do the same with humans. Indeed, it's almost a relief when the veil is completely ripped away and you see the true horror of the abuse of that power in such close and personal terms and the desperation it engenders in even the threat if its use.
And the story goes deeply into the obsessive darkness inherent in being ruled by hate and revenge. Love and forgiveness are hard pressed, but present, too, rounding out the story of family, love, pain, loss, and power. All of which are big, weighty elements that might have made for a hard read, but I didn't find it so. I think that's because it sticks closely with Sybel and her interactions with others are mostly one-on-one and therefore contained and framed in the personal even though the individual elements are so broad. I kind of loved how all the grand movements of the story are expressed through that smaller perspective of the individual and her relationships with other individuals (as opposed to groups, nations, or representatives of same).
I have a particular fondness for Coren—the man playing outside his own league but game to keep trying because he values both the experience and the potential. This imprinted particularly strongly after he lets go of his own hate and learns to respect and then love Sybel. His attachment might have felt more sudden if I didn't understand that draw to powerful women so well, myself. And he sees her at her kindest in regards to Tam and her care of his wounds so it isn't a large step to see further to her care for her forgotten beasts, too. Sybel treats him poorly in .
Anyway, this was a strong five stars from the start. And the ending was a knock out. That last line is simple and yet contains a world of meaning that is possible only by the entire story that precedes it. It's a masterpiece of layered meaning and it completely cemented an already solid five stars. And it joins as the pinnacle of powerful last lines.
This story has a kind of oral/bardic beginning that sets the tone for the lyrical beauty of the rest of the prose. It's part style, part choice of imagery that gives it a kind of mythic flavor that might have been off-putting if the underlying story weren't so deeply human. I loved it from the start which is interesting because it is quickly apparent that the magic of this world is one of compulsion and control and I have a visceral reaction against such. Sybel has a light touch with her animals, but the narrative doesn't flinch from the truth that she could do the same with humans. Indeed, it's almost a relief when the veil is completely ripped away and you see the true horror of the abuse of that power in such close and personal terms and the desperation it engenders in even the threat if its use.
And the story goes deeply into the obsessive darkness inherent in being ruled by hate and revenge. Love and forgiveness are hard pressed, but present, too, rounding out the story of family, love, pain, loss, and power. All of which are big, weighty elements that might have made for a hard read, but I didn't find it so. I think that's because it sticks closely with Sybel and her interactions with others are mostly one-on-one and therefore contained and framed in the personal even though the individual elements are so broad. I kind of loved how all the grand movements of the story are expressed through that smaller perspective of the individual and her relationships with other individuals (as opposed to groups, nations, or representatives of same).
I have a particular fondness for Coren—the man playing outside his own league but game to keep trying because he values both the experience and the potential. This imprinted particularly strongly after he lets go of his own hate and learns to respect and then love Sybel. His attachment might have felt more sudden if I didn't understand that draw to powerful women so well, myself. And he sees her at her kindest in regards to Tam and her care of his wounds so it isn't a large step to see further to her care for her forgotten beasts, too. Sybel treats him poorly in .
Anyway, this was a strong five stars from the start. And the ending was a knock out. That last line is simple and yet contains a world of meaning that is possible only by the entire story that precedes it. It's a masterpiece of layered meaning and it completely cemented an already solid five stars. And it joins as the pinnacle of powerful last lines.
January 3, 2015
Somehow, from the midst of feeling dreadful because of this cold, I realised that what I really wanted to read was something by Patricia McKillip. It’s so strange how I disliked the first book of hers I read; I feel like I appreciate her work more with each book I do read. And this one� it’s fairytale-like, mythic � a review on GR said ‘parable like�, and yes: that too. It’s full of epic fantasy elements but the real struggle is between taking revenge and being true to who you really are and those you love. (The phrase “being true to yourself� sounds annoyingly cliché, but I can’t think of another way to put that without quoting the whole book.)
McKillip’s writing is gorgeous, and works well with the character she’s chosen � a girl who has not been loved, does not know how to love; who hasn’t been among people to be drawn into loves and hatreds. And in the course of the book she does learn, and she struggles with it� There’s a coolness to the book, like a mountain stream; an aloofness that you can get with distance from something, but toward everything. I can understand why some people disliked it for that very thing, but for me it perfectly matched the subject.
I like high fantasy, but since so much of it draws from the same well as Tolkien, there’s something all too real about it sometimes. This book, the character of Sybel, are closer to real magic for me, in the same way that the contemplative parts of Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea books (the sleeping man with the thistle growing by his hand�) come closer to real magic for me than all the magic rings and restless shades in the world.
And one last thing to love: I adore the way that the relationship between Coren and Sybel works out. That it has to be worked on, from both sides, that it’s not always matched.
McKillip’s writing is gorgeous, and works well with the character she’s chosen � a girl who has not been loved, does not know how to love; who hasn’t been among people to be drawn into loves and hatreds. And in the course of the book she does learn, and she struggles with it� There’s a coolness to the book, like a mountain stream; an aloofness that you can get with distance from something, but toward everything. I can understand why some people disliked it for that very thing, but for me it perfectly matched the subject.
I like high fantasy, but since so much of it draws from the same well as Tolkien, there’s something all too real about it sometimes. This book, the character of Sybel, are closer to real magic for me, in the same way that the contemplative parts of Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea books (the sleeping man with the thistle growing by his hand�) come closer to real magic for me than all the magic rings and restless shades in the world.
And one last thing to love: I adore the way that the relationship between Coren and Sybel works out. That it has to be worked on, from both sides, that it’s not always matched.
March 1, 2019
See my full review of this book on my blog along with others at: .
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.
Released today!
A book like this isintimidating to pick up. Not because it is mundane, nor because it is necessarily daunting (although it is, in a way).No, my friends. This book entails every aspect that fantasy writing is about, and it is truly breathtaking. Being disappointed with other fantasy reads after this book is why it is intimidating.
Compared to the writing of today's YA novels, this book automatically takes the lead in its overall quality. Its writing style, detail to plot and meaningfulness are (in my opinion)so much more when compared to what is out there today.
We are dropped into a new world, that isn't everfully explained. Because of this, the reader is allowed to be left with a sense of yearning and wonderment to know more. To me, this is the key element to draw in the reader, andto make them thirst for more. Over-explanation of detailonly "dumbs down" the writing to be taken at face-value, rather than allowing the readers' imagination to run wild.The tidbits that we are privyto are delicious, whimsical, and truly meaningful.
Now, to the story...
Our main character Sybel, is the daughter of Ogam, a man bornfrom a line of wizards. His special powers allowed him to "call" many spectacular creatures to live among his castle walls, safely nestled in the mountains of Eld. Sybel, growing up in a world separate from the one she lives in, knows little of theoutside world. She cares little for the dealings of men, and spends her time tending her beloved creatures, and calling the fabled Lorien, a mythical white bird, to join her.
Her solitude is interrupted when an unbidden manbrings a baby to her doorsteps, insisting that she takes the child in and raises him in a place far away from the warring nations outside her walls. She consents, and realizes that she must learn what it meansto love another human--something she is not used to doing.
As the child grows into a young man, Sybel develops a strong, motherly connection to him. But as he comes of age, Tamlorn is sought out, and called to rejoin the world of men, and take his rightful place as prince. Sybel calls Tamlorn's father, the king Drede to her to discussterms for Tamlorn. When Drede meets Sybel, he immediately falls in love with her, and extends the offer for her to join him and Tamlorn.
Because of Sybel's odd upbringing and talents, she has developed a rather cold character. She doesn't know, or care much for the toils of men. That is, until she discovers that sheis used by one who desires her for her power.
Sybel's outlook on mankind transforms into a dark and corrupting thing, causing her to unabashedly useothers to cast her revenge. But her desires for revenge do not come without their consequences.
As Sybel experiences life, love, loss, and joy, she must either grow, or forever be locked in the dark shackles of revenge, hurt, and mistrust. Because her character basically starts from zero, the reader gets to watch her "transform" as she learns more about human nature.
There are two different points in this book that I didn't necessarily like, and made me take a half-star off:
#1 Because this is a shorter novel, changes aren't always allowed enough time to happen without feeling a bit forced. An example of this is Sybel's character. Shechanges so much in such a short amount of time, that it isn't always believable.
#2 I felt that the imaginativeexpression could be slightlyoverwhelmingat times, and could have used a bit more explanation.
Despite these two things, it is without a doubt that this is abeautiful storyof growth, hardship, healing, and forgiveness. I would highly recommend this read to any lover of young adult fantasy.
Random side note: I think that Sybel is the original white-haired, dragon wielding heroine. Not Khaleesi.
Vulgarity: None that I recall.
Sexual content: Some advances are made towards Sybel, but they are stopped before anything happens.
Violence: Minimal.
My Rating: ★★★★1/2
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! All included quotes have been taken from an ARC and may not match the finished publication.
Released today!
“I need you to forgive me. And then perhaps I can begin to forgive myself. There is no one but you who can do that either.�
A book like this isintimidating to pick up. Not because it is mundane, nor because it is necessarily daunting (although it is, in a way).No, my friends. This book entails every aspect that fantasy writing is about, and it is truly breathtaking. Being disappointed with other fantasy reads after this book is why it is intimidating.
Compared to the writing of today's YA novels, this book automatically takes the lead in its overall quality. Its writing style, detail to plot and meaningfulness are (in my opinion)so much more when compared to what is out there today.
We are dropped into a new world, that isn't everfully explained. Because of this, the reader is allowed to be left with a sense of yearning and wonderment to know more. To me, this is the key element to draw in the reader, andto make them thirst for more. Over-explanation of detailonly "dumbs down" the writing to be taken at face-value, rather than allowing the readers' imagination to run wild.The tidbits that we are privyto are delicious, whimsical, and truly meaningful.
Now, to the story...
Our main character Sybel, is the daughter of Ogam, a man bornfrom a line of wizards. His special powers allowed him to "call" many spectacular creatures to live among his castle walls, safely nestled in the mountains of Eld. Sybel, growing up in a world separate from the one she lives in, knows little of theoutside world. She cares little for the dealings of men, and spends her time tending her beloved creatures, and calling the fabled Lorien, a mythical white bird, to join her.
Her solitude is interrupted when an unbidden manbrings a baby to her doorsteps, insisting that she takes the child in and raises him in a place far away from the warring nations outside her walls. She consents, and realizes that she must learn what it meansto love another human--something she is not used to doing.
As the child grows into a young man, Sybel develops a strong, motherly connection to him. But as he comes of age, Tamlorn is sought out, and called to rejoin the world of men, and take his rightful place as prince. Sybel calls Tamlorn's father, the king Drede to her to discussterms for Tamlorn. When Drede meets Sybel, he immediately falls in love with her, and extends the offer for her to join him and Tamlorn.
Because of Sybel's odd upbringing and talents, she has developed a rather cold character. She doesn't know, or care much for the toils of men. That is, until she discovers that sheis used by one who desires her for her power.
“It is not a bad thing, itself, but it is a bad thing to be used by men, to have them choose what you must be, and what you must not be, to have little choice in your life.�
Sybel's outlook on mankind transforms into a dark and corrupting thing, causing her to unabashedly useothers to cast her revenge. But her desires for revenge do not come without their consequences.
“The giant Grof was hit in one eye by a stone, and that eye turned inward so that it looked into his mind and he died of what he saw there.�
As Sybel experiences life, love, loss, and joy, she must either grow, or forever be locked in the dark shackles of revenge, hurt, and mistrust. Because her character basically starts from zero, the reader gets to watch her "transform" as she learns more about human nature.
There are two different points in this book that I didn't necessarily like, and made me take a half-star off:
#1 Because this is a shorter novel, changes aren't always allowed enough time to happen without feeling a bit forced. An example of this is Sybel's character. Shechanges so much in such a short amount of time, that it isn't always believable.
#2 I felt that the imaginativeexpression could be slightlyoverwhelmingat times, and could have used a bit more explanation.
Despite these two things, it is without a doubt that this is abeautiful storyof growth, hardship, healing, and forgiveness. I would highly recommend this read to any lover of young adult fantasy.
Random side note: I think that Sybel is the original white-haired, dragon wielding heroine. Not Khaleesi.
Vulgarity: None that I recall.
Sexual content: Some advances are made towards Sybel, but they are stopped before anything happens.
Violence: Minimal.
My Rating: ★★★★1/2
¦ ¦ ¦ ¦
May 6, 2021
Es un libro en el que vemos una evolución en la protagonista a lo largo de toda la historia y con los hechos que van aconteciendo. Os lo recomiendo si os gustan las leyendas, las criaturas mágicas y esos libros que tienen enseñanzas.
Sybel es una poderosa hechicera que ha vivido toda su vida alejada de la sociedad, acompañada únicamente por sus animales mágicos. Un día un desconocido le trae un bebé del que debe hacerse cargo porque sus padres han fallecido y el rey quiere matarle. Ese niño despierta en ella los sentimientos que nunca pensó que podría tener. Además deberá abandonar su pacífico refugio para enfrentarse a sus demonios.
Me ha gustado mucho, da una gran enseñanza. Sybel es una protagonista que va creciendo y evolucionando en muchos sentidos a lo largo de la historia. El tema de los animales mágicos también me ha gustado, lo hace diferente a otros libros.
El amor, la venganza, el miedo, el odio... muchos sentimientos se mezclan en esta novela de ڲԳٲí que nos muestra ser más humanos.
Sybel es una poderosa hechicera que ha vivido toda su vida alejada de la sociedad, acompañada únicamente por sus animales mágicos. Un día un desconocido le trae un bebé del que debe hacerse cargo porque sus padres han fallecido y el rey quiere matarle. Ese niño despierta en ella los sentimientos que nunca pensó que podría tener. Además deberá abandonar su pacífico refugio para enfrentarse a sus demonios.
Me ha gustado mucho, da una gran enseñanza. Sybel es una protagonista que va creciendo y evolucionando en muchos sentidos a lo largo de la historia. El tema de los animales mágicos también me ha gustado, lo hace diferente a otros libros.
El amor, la venganza, el miedo, el odio... muchos sentimientos se mezclan en esta novela de ڲԳٲí que nos muestra ser más humanos.
August 12, 2024
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld might be the most beautifully-written book I've ever read. McKillip writes in a hazy, dreamlike quality that is honestly a pleasure to read. The closest thing I could compare it to would be an original, novel-length fairy tale with loads of emotional depth.
Sybel is a young woman living alone in the mountains with the titular beasts of the story, mythical creatures who are truly the stuff of legends. When a strange man shows up on her doorstep with a baby, it sets off a chain of events that drive the plot.
The beasts themselves are a highlight of this novel, and McKillip does well by giving just enough information to show the reader they are ancient and powerful, but does not reveal so much as to diminish the mystery surrounding them.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a standalone work of fantasy that packs an emotional punch. This book has much to say about love, fear, and revenge.
Sybel is a young woman living alone in the mountains with the titular beasts of the story, mythical creatures who are truly the stuff of legends. When a strange man shows up on her doorstep with a baby, it sets off a chain of events that drive the plot.
The beasts themselves are a highlight of this novel, and McKillip does well by giving just enough information to show the reader they are ancient and powerful, but does not reveal so much as to diminish the mystery surrounding them.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for a standalone work of fantasy that packs an emotional punch. This book has much to say about love, fear, and revenge.
February 17, 2024
DNF.
I would rather call this book a fairytale for children given the writing style, even though the tale is not quite that simple.
But it's not for me; I like to read tales about complex worlds with multiple PoV and less dialogues, and this book is the exact opposite.
I would rather call this book a fairytale for children given the writing style, even though the tale is not quite that simple.
But it's not for me; I like to read tales about complex worlds with multiple PoV and less dialogues, and this book is the exact opposite.
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