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The Waking Land by Callie Bates
Aug. 30th, 2017 11:01 pmThe Blurb On The Back:
Magic. Romance. Revolution.
It’s been fourteen years, since King Antoine took Elanna hostage. Fourteen years since her father’s rebellion failed. Fourteen years spent being raised by the man who condemned her people to misery.
Now twenty, Elanna is about to be taken prisoner once again … but this time by her father.
He wants to reignite his rebellion, this time using Elanna as a figurehead. He will tell his followers she is the legendary Wildegarde reborn, a sorceress who could make the very earth tremble.
But what no one knows is that magic really does flow through Elanna’s veins. Now she must decide which side she’s on, and whether she’ll use her powers for mercy … or revenge.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Callie Bates’ debut novel (the first in a trilogy) is a flawed and unsatisfying YA/crossover fantasy that incorporates interesting elements of Celtic mysticism and shades of the Jacobite risings but is hindered by an unconvincing political landscape, a main character with no grasp of courtly intrigue, unconvincing antagonists, a predictable and dull romance and magic that seems to exist for the convenience of the plot.
THE WAKING LAND was released in the United Kingdom on 29th June 2017. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.
It’s been fourteen years, since King Antoine took Elanna hostage. Fourteen years since her father’s rebellion failed. Fourteen years spent being raised by the man who condemned her people to misery.
Now twenty, Elanna is about to be taken prisoner once again … but this time by her father.
He wants to reignite his rebellion, this time using Elanna as a figurehead. He will tell his followers she is the legendary Wildegarde reborn, a sorceress who could make the very earth tremble.
But what no one knows is that magic really does flow through Elanna’s veins. Now she must decide which side she’s on, and whether she’ll use her powers for mercy … or revenge.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Callie Bates’ debut novel (the first in a trilogy) is a flawed and unsatisfying YA/crossover fantasy that incorporates interesting elements of Celtic mysticism and shades of the Jacobite risings but is hindered by an unconvincing political landscape, a main character with no grasp of courtly intrigue, unconvincing antagonists, a predictable and dull romance and magic that seems to exist for the convenience of the plot.
THE WAKING LAND was released in the United Kingdom on 29th June 2017. Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.
