Customer Reviews

Crystal Sage (Salterton Trilogy)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There's an almost slapstick element to the premise of this book. Yet Ms. Dalkey's approach is too thoughtful for silliness to take hold. She works the humorous aspect in such a controlled low-keyed manner, and balances it so well against more realistic humorous elements, that what could have been wacky becomes first believable and then even dramatic. The well-drawn characters are engaging (even the crabby ones) and the comingling of European and Native American folklore is deftly handled. Be prepared, though, to be caught in an enjoyable crossfire between those passages aimed at your heartstrings and those targeting your funnybone.

While reading this book I was aware only of being thoroughly caught up in the story. It was when I'd (reluctantly) put it down to for a while that I found myself marvelling at how well Ms. Dalkey wove her themes together. Celtic fairy legends mingle with Native American mythology. And both fantasy elements mingle with a realistic treatment of the very modern clash of values between those who love the wilderness and those prefer the controlled environment of buildings and roadways. It's rare for a book to be both this much fun and this thought-provoking at the same time. If there were a sequal I'd buy it today!

Crystal Sage is a beautifully balanced blend of New Age icons and old folklore. The tale sparkles in a marquis combination of wit and the lessons we wish life would teach us. Bravas to Ms. Dalkey; may she live long and prosper.

I seem to have been wrong. The characters in Crystal Sage were universally unlikeable, the plot was nonsense, the writing style was repetitious and annoying, and speaking of repetitious did I mention how obnoxious the characters were? I wanted violence to rain down on all of them. Here: [...]- - is a longer, more detailed review, but I think I get the point across.

Kara Dalkey is able to develope two well thought out characters for the reader to enjoy. They play off each other throughout the story. I only wished it was longer! The story mixes a modern day setting with fantasy elements, in an plausible and often times humorous fashion. Crystal Sage was a page turner until the end and a satisfying read throughout.

When I finished reading this book I found myself strangely unmoved by it. It never seemed to delve deeply into its own story or my imagination. True, it's a short book, and that could have been part of the problem, but I've read many short books that still managed to leave a lasting impression. This book struck me as almost a speculative fiction equivalent to a cheap romance novel in its shallowness, predictability and overall forgetability.

Not only was this book uncompelling, but the main character was an unlikeable person who was constantly demeaning or insulting her more likeable sidekick--and she seemed to have a major gripe about just about everything else, as well. I can understand some of her objections, but she could stand to give it a rest sometimes. When I read a book, I generally imagine myself in the lead character's point of view, but Joan had such an unpleasant, unkind disposition that it was uncomfortable to ride her shoulder.

I guess I'd recommend this book if you want a quick read and don't want to have to think too much or get involved in the story or relate to the characters, but otherwise save your money.