Book: Phelen the Cycle by Emily Bellman
Reviewed by Lioba G. Eichhorn (Ursbear)
Rating: 4.5/5
I was on the edge of my chair at the halfway mark, wanting the second book already next to me, as a way to soothe myself that I can just go on reading and not wait. But alas. I will have to wait and keep my eyes open.
Given that I partly had to drag myself away from this book to actually do chores and get some food, says how gripping this was for me. My fingers itched to pick it back up and return to see what was coming next.
At the evening of his sister's wedding Danial is faced by a stranger, a merchant named Reydon, who came into the mountain village from the Lowlands. And he insists that Danial has to leave his home, that he is the Twin of the Crown-Prince of the Kingdom of Talacharn. Lost son of the sick King. With Erin the herbwise - healer,spiritual guide and priestess of their gods, as well as his best friend and fiancée - he very reluctantly goes. To find answers and to find a way to protect his village from being eradicated by the Patriachs of the Triseklesia. But it all becomes bigger, there is another, more dangerous force around that is a danger than the most powerful men in the kingdom and their agenda to convert all to their church and faith. People vanish never to be seen again. And Reydon's past is always nipping at their heels.
The quality of the writing is amazing. The sentences flow, the characters have their own clear voice and I could sink into the world. On occasion I got a bit turned around with who god was which one again but nothing that ripped me out of the immersion. I personally am not sure what to think of the middle where a new character is introduced with an extensive backstory. Personally I think I would have liked it if that had stayed more hidden until later in the series, maybe. But that hardly took away from my enjoyment or the great writing. The worldbuilding is neatly woven into the story and I am fascinated by the magic. The theology certainly peaked my interest - both of the Old God's and of the One God. I am incredibly curious to hear more about the Triseklesia, their dogmas and so on. As well as with the Old Gods. I do admit the theology discussion in one of the Chapters is one of my favorite structural moments.
The characters are amazingly fleshed out, flawed and carry themselves so greatly through it all.
Erin has a special spot in my heart for many reasons. A strong girl with a temper, and I can see parts of myself in her, which is why I sometimes wanted to kick her a bit. Danial is one amazing reluctant hero and I loved to read how he was growing more and more into who he is. And how Erin's and his relationship evolves. I am a big fan of this relationship development.
Reydon is my favorite of the trio, he is now my son of disaster and control, and I was hooked on him right away. One chapter certainly threw me around emotionally on that aspect and I love the book for this. A book that brings me to bargaining stage is a good book in my eyes.
When it comes to the adversaries I am hooked on their plotting and the careful maneuvering they make. While also being allowed to get a look at some of their emotions and thoughts. Their own struggles. I like an opponent that I can still empathize with.
The plot is a gripping one of tension and is carried by the characters, their relationships and how they evolve due to challenges they face and pressure they are put under. Not everything goes well and there is a friction that does not easily vanish by just one talk.
It goes into the difference of faith and religion - something I am very much interested in and fascinated by myself. And this is in my eyes where the story shines very strongly.
It also goes about How tolerance isn't as easy as we think it is. That change isn't a one time thing but a long process. How nothing is easy, that white and black aren't that often the way the world actually is, and that there is never just one answer or one way to do something or to exist. And that relationships can be very, very difficult but that it doesn't make them any less meaningful.
"They gave her a measure of courage, but she was not strong enough to investigate their truth, lest she might end up the destroyer of her own hope."
— Page 178