After
reading Hebbros, I knew I would be on the lookout for anything more the
author had to offer. Thus I was thrilled for the continuing story in
Burdney. I would recommend reading Hebbros first, but I don’t feel
reading the author’s original trilogy, The Heart of Arcrea, is entirely
necessary to enjoying the Companions of Arcrea series, as her older
series doesn’t carry quite the same skill and style as her newest
releases (though they’re still good stories). This tale can stand well
on its own, but it carries on questions left unanswered from Hebbros and
focuses on an easily overlooked character—the jilted bride of Bradley.
I
do believe Burdney may be the best book she’s written yet. Its plot has
pace slower than Hebbros, but it’s by no means boring. It’s a story of
political intrigue, monarchy greed, government intrusion, and layers of
conspiracy. Each scene, each move is precisely planned by the author,
each piece falling into place to reveal the full picture. For a little
while, one certain storyline seems a tad unnecessary. Yes, it is cute
and funny, but it’s seems to just be taking up time when we want to go
back to the real plot on hand. But as it turns out, that little side
story is absolutely vital to the main one. Really, this is expert
plotting, something you don’t always see in self-published authors.
And
the characters. Oh my, the characters. There are a lot of them. And
that doesn’t matter, not for an instant, because each character is so
individual and unique that the reader cannot easily mix them up or
forget them. Each character is firmly woven into the plot and with each
other. Cunning queens, cooks with swords, slaves as lords. Lathan, a
blind warrior, is simply too cool for words. But my favorite was
probably Dain, the Dragon Slayer. His attitude. Oh my, oh my, oh my. It
was nice to see a young man of faith still be full of personality,
rashness, and attitude, because it’s so realistic. Really, I want more
of his story please. Like another book about him.
Fans of
Hebbros will be glad to see more of Epic, sit on the edge of their seats
for Warin, and sigh at prevalent mentions of Bradley. Also, the
charming minstrel Blunt from The Heart of Arcrea is a very important
character.
When I first read Hebbros, the spiritual truth of the
story threw me off because the characters were speaking of Jesus Christ
and the death and the resurrection, and that feels strange to me in a
fantasy world. But one thing that helped me is to consider this series
as an alternate reality, dealing with countries that could have existed.
The world doesn’t have any magic or rules to be different from ours,
so it can easily be pretended to have existed in days long ago.
Too
often in Christian fantasy, when the author starts dealing with the
religion of the characters, I start feeling preached to. I start feeling
like the characters are only people who would exist in a book. I got a
little of that feeling in Hebbros, but that changed to something else
that I also found in Burdney. The faith of the characters is genuine and
real. It is so real, these people might as well be around you, and I
want them to be my best friends. There’s nothing contrived about it,
nothing written by the author just to get their point across. The
people’s faith truly comes to life, their walk complete with doubts,
stumbling, and imperfection. I don’t know how to explain it…many
Christian authors try to make their character’s faith real, but Nicole
Sager succeeds in a way I don’t often come across. Burdney doesn’t deal
with the persecution of the church as Hebbros did, but the need for
faith in God is still very potent and beautiful.
So looking for an exciting tale of excellent quality? Here’s one. :)
I was tagged by sweet Shantelle for this award! :)
What genre have you read most of this year?
Probably fantasy. It's usually fantasy, because that is what I write, but a good historical novel thrown into the mix is always welcome.
Do you enjoy fairytales? Which ones do you like most?
My first response is yes. I mean, who doesn't? But then I pause and wonder, What sort of fairy tale do you speak of? Do you speak of Disney fairytales, in which case, yes I do enjoy them? Or do you speak of the Grimm and likewise fairytales, the true fairytales of old...because then it is a mixed bag, like in all genres. It really is quite shocking how sad, or dark, or just plain weird some of those stories are. But I enjoy the classics such as Beauty and the Beast. I've browsed most of the stories in Andrew Lang's collection and I must say, I became strongly intrigued by a little known fairytale called "The Golden Branch." Tis a tale of inner beauty and moral courage and it's quite interesting that the sleeping person found caught in a spell is actually a fairy herself. Are there several plot problems in it? Oh yes. But what else are retellings for?
Favorite dessert?
Oh. Oh. Oh, how to decide? Um...either my Mom's homemade lemon-cake or her homemade Texas sheet cake (which is more like fudge) or her hot milk cake with whipped cream and strawberries. :)
Which Disney princess are you most like and why?
I like to think that I'm a cross between Belle and Rapunzel. Both girls aren't exactly the most comfortable in public, though Rapunzel does warm up to and becomes quite friendly with people, like me. Both love reading, and Rapunzel also a crazy artistic side (though she's WAY more patient with her hair than me). They also have quite a soft heart, but are also brave. Family is important to both of them.
Which Disney prince do you consider the most dashing?
Flynn Ryder. Hands down. It also helps that his character greatly resembles one of my most favorite heroes ever, Eugenides. And....Eugene....Eugenides....did Disney read The Queen's Thief or something?
What was your favorite blog post this year?
OH. Too be honest, I've been a bit scattered when it comes to reading blog posts this year.
A few books you hope to read soon?
Corroded Thorns by Emma Clifton, A Wish Made of Glass by Ashlee Willis, and the others are releasing much later this year.
Favorite book of the year?
Draven's Light by Anne Eliasbeth Stengl! Wow, just wow. It's SO amazing and beautiful.
Summer or winter?
Winter. It's summer now and I'm just dying, dying I say. You've probably seen this meme before, but if you haven't...
One goal you have?
I've just begun one goal as becoming a professional artist. If you'd like to see my new website, here you go: https://hsjwilliams.wordpress.com/
I also want to become a published author as I'm sure many of you know. I hope to continue a professional edit later this year with my WIP, Moonscript.
May everything I do always be for God's glory! :)
Now for my ten questions:
How many books have you read this month?
What's a song that's been on your mind?
Favorite holiday?
Describe the prettiest firework you've ever seen.
Is there a type of story you haven't read yet and really want to?
Favorite meal?
What's your favorite least-known fairytale?
What your favorite rare food?
Favorite constellation?
Pick a color and explain why you think it's beautiful.
Now to tag ten people:
Savannah
Ghost Ryter
Laura Pol
Sarah Taleweaver
Grace M.
Emma Jayne
Rebeka B.
Allison Rudivich
Emmarayn
Clara Darling
