Customer Reviews

Aurian (Artefacts of Power)

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

When I bought the entire Artefacts of Power series (Aurian is merely the first), I had picked it as more of a wild card than an actual series I had to read. Now four books later I'm definately glad I bought them. Maggie Furey has created a well thought out world in both the physical and metaphysical sense. The countries and thier inhabitants are very believable in this series (thus making the physical), while the unique system of magic Ms Furey has created is among the best I have ever seen (the metaphysical). But apart from the creative side, I found Ms Furey's style to be quite enjoyable to read. She has a gift that enables her to describe convaluted plots and characters in a simple and fast-paced way. Although I'm used to reading heavy, complicated writing styles, I always enjoy entertaining styles such as the one Maggie Furey writes with. It is the smooth flowing and simple writing of Maggie Furey that allows one to read all four books in such an abnormally short time.

There is only one thing I disliked about this romantic-fantasy adventure, and that was how it all tied together in the last book. I won't spoil anything here, but I found that the majority of Dhiammara had a great plot which was tainted by being compacted into such a small space. The ending to the entire series was very rushed, giving the impression that Ms Furey tried to fit the plots of two books into one single volume. Nevertheless, Aurian and the Artefacts of Power are some of the better fantasy books I've read and a good entrance by Maggie Furey into the world of novel writing.

This is the first book in the Artefacts of Power tetralogy (followed by Harp of Winds, The Sword of Flame and Dhiammara).

Aurian is a red-haired young girl, daughter of the Magefolk, who lives with her mother Eilin in the crater left by the magical accident that killed her father. Upon hearing of the catastrophe, Forral, a skilled Mortal swordsman, friend of Aurian's late father, comes to offer his help. Although most unwelcome by Eilin at first, he'll take care of Aurian's education and physical training as she grows up. It won't take the little girl very long to fall in love with the man.

But soon it's time for Aurian to move to the city of Nexis and its Academy, to be trained among the Mages. Only then does she realize the social chasm and power struggle that exist between the Mage and Mortal casts.

Anvar is a slave boy working in the kitchens. Being regularly beaten by his master, he escapes one day from the Academy, and stumbles upon Aurian. Being of a gentle nature, she decided to takes him under her wing, as her personal servant.

For Miathan the Archmage, this is going to far, for he wants Aurian for himself. Before long, his jealousy and thirst for power will lead to a terrible confrontation, releasing deadly wraiths, unleashing Hell. Aurian has no choice but to sail away. But in the magical storm created by Eliseth the Weather-Mage, she stands no chance and she soon finds herself stranded on the shores of the beautiful yet hostile Southern Kingdoms, where she'll rediscover the history of the only weapons that can defeat Miathan: the Artefacts of Power.

Aurian is a wonderful fantasy, packed with action and unexpected turns. The world created by Maggie Furrey is enchanting and mysterious, her characters endearing and real. And even though Aurian's capricious and impulsive temper sometimes had the tendency to get on my nerves, I grew very fond of Anvar and I'm looking forward to seeing their friendship evolve and the story unravel.

I'm reading Sword of Flame right now. I liked Aurian better than Harp of winds and the one I'm reading. Aurian just had that certain feel to it, that gets a book it's hallowed spot on your bookshelf. (in other words, it's pretty good)

I'm an avid fantasy reader, but anyone who's read more than five fantasy novels and also more than five "normal" novels knows that poor writers are often drawn to write fantasy. This is a case of that. Furey spends way too much time telling us what people are thinking instead of showing it through action and dialogue; she spends way, WAY too much time in the most unpleasant place in her universe (the dark wizard Miathan's brain--WAY too much information on what HE thinks!); and Furey falls prey to every stereotype and cliche in the genre (and there are a lot of those). I could go on and on about her debilities as a writer. But, BUT! Obviously a lot of people loved this book, and they're not necessarily wrong. The key is the character Aurian herself. She is a natural leader, a person with a sense of what's right and the courage to keep going in spite of everything that happens to her (and EVERYTHING happens to her). She's such a good leader that she even leads the reader. In the middle of this dank mess of a novel (and series---the next three installments only get worse) Aurian stands in the light. Maggie Furey is no Tolkien, but Aurian manages to be Frodo, Gandalf and Aragorn all in one, AND she's a strong female character.

I bought this book on a whim- I love dragons and saw that there was one on the cover and the summary talked about the Dragon magic. Never have I been so thoroughly sucked into a book's world (save Anne McCaffery's Pern series). The characters, the plots, and Furey's uncanny way of leaving the story totally open- making you go crazy with anticipation. If you buy this book (which I suggest anyone who loves a good mage story do), be prepared to by the next, and the next, and the next.....

This is a very absorbing, fast paced book. The many charactors in the book could have a series all their own. The rest of the series is just as good. You should try to read them all at once, as it is easy to get lost if you don't. There is another book due out by Maggie in March of 2000, called The Heart of Myrial.

This wasn't fantasy at its worst by any means - interesting, well-developed characters, a good plot and a nice break from your typical epic. On the other hand, it is a fantasy epic, with a plethora of overpowered characters, and lacks the morals that make a Lloyd Alexander book work well. Serves as a good page-turning light read, but don't expect depth or shades of grey. Melodrama about as good as it comes though.

This is the first book in the Artefacts of Power tetralogy (followed by Harp of Winds, The Sword of Flame and Dhiammara).

Aurian is a red-haired young girl, daughter of the Magefolk, who lives with her mother Eilin in the crater left by the magical accident that killed her father. Upon hearing of the catastrophe, Forral, a skilled Mortal swordsman, friend of Aurian's late father, comes to offer his help. Although most unwelcome by Eilin at first, he'll take care of Aurian's education and physical training as she grows up. It won't take the little girl very long to fall in love with the man.

But soon it's time for Aurian to move to the city of Nexis and its Academy, to be trained among the Mages. Only then does she realize the social chasm and power struggle that exist between the Mage and Mortal casts.

Anvar is a slave boy working in the kitchens. Being regularly beaten by his master, he escapes one day from the Academy, and stumbles upon Aurian. Being of a gentle nature, she decided to takes him under her wing, as her personal servant.

For Miathan the Archmage, this is going to far, for he wants Aurian for himself. Before long, his jealousy and thirst for power will lead to a terrible confrontation, releasing deadly wraiths, unleashing Hell. Aurian has no choice but to sail away. But in the magical storm created by Eliseth the Weather-Mage, she stands no chance and she soon finds herself stranded on the shores of the beautiful yet hostile Southern Kingdoms, where she'll rediscover the history of the only weapons that can defeat Miathan: the Artefacts of Power.

Aurian is a wonderful fantasy, packed with action and unexpected turns. The world created by Maggie Furrey is enchanting and mysterious, her characters endearing and real. And even though Aurian's capricious and impulsive temper sometimes had the tendency to get on my nerves, I grew very fond of Anvar and I'm looking forward to seeing their friendship evolve and the story unravel.

I like the whole serie very much!! Hehe Aurian is a cool woman. But one thing I didn't like that much was the age difference between Forral and Aurian, I mean he was old enough to be her father.
But anyway, the whole serie is great!! And Maggie Furey is now one of my favourite writers.
By the way! There are four parts of the serie, english version. But the swedish version (which I read) has eight parts and I think the pics on the front pages look better in the swedish version!!

The characters were enjoyabe and realistic. The plot was fast paced and left you hanging for more. The Aurain saga was by far the best i have ever read and i urge all fansay lovers to read this book. Maggie has a talent for writting thats hard to find amoung authers these days.