11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
When you have magic, the only escape is to the sea., March 7, 2008
This review is from: Mad Kestrel (Paperback)
Infants and children that show any type of magical powers are called "a Promise". They are torn from their parents to be raised by the mysterious and powerful Danisoba. The Danisoba had controlled all magic for over a century. Those of the Brethren are known by the silver bracelets they wear. The only place even remotely free of the Danisoba is at sea, because the sea nullifies their magic.
Kestrel "Kes" has managed to keep her abilities concealed since the Danisoba killed her parents. Since the age of five, Kes has been alone. She first hid in bad alleys as a street urchin, then served as a tavern maid, before escaping to the sea with pirates. After proving herself to the crew, Kestrel earned their respect and is now not only an adult, but Quartermaster to Captain Artemus "Artie" Binns. But her way of life could end should anyone on board, other than Artie, learns that she has magical control over the wind.
On the day Kestrel spies the black ship during a storm, she somehow knows her life is about to change. The crew refers to it as a ghost ship due to the fact that it disappeared as they watched. When Kes saw one of the men from the ghost ship in the market place she becomes edgy. Artie refuses to believe the man, Philip McAvery, is trouble. Shortly thereafter, Artie is led into a trap, arrested, and shipped off to Pecheta for hanging. The only thing Kes knows for sure is that McAvery is involved and that Artie wants her to get his log book to Lig, an advisor to the Ageless King. Kes fully intends to give the log book to the advisor, but first she intends to round up the crew and rescue Artie.
**** A different type of fantasy that will keep you reading late into the night. This story is a combination of pirate and fantasy rolled into one. Though this is a stand alone tale, it clearly sets a strong foundation for future adventures of the Promise named Kestrel. Though Kes has no idea why, she knows that she is unique among the other Promises. Since she has escaped the Danisoba, thus far, Kestrel has no real knowledge as to what magic she can do. I found it fascinating to follow her and see the surprises, betrayals, and fights (on sea and on land) as they happened to her. I only hope the next story gives a clearer insight into which types of magic Kes can manipulate. ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pirate chicks rule!, March 28, 2008
This review is from: Mad Kestrel (Paperback)
This book is tons of fun! A perfect read for a rainy spring afternoon and well into the night. One thing that makes this book good is that Massey has left herself room to develop her world in the future. She is not locked in to something which may need to change as she grows and matures as an author and storyteller. Kestrel is a great heroine. She is brave, smart, skilled, feminine, tough, etc. without being a femi-nazi. Her relationships with her crew run the gamut from Shadd's close friendship to the herd behavior of others. (No spoiler here.)
Pirate craze or not, Kestrel is a character who has the potential to keep going and blaze her own trail (or leave her own wake.)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Seagoing supernatural adventure - an excellent read, March 27, 2008
This review is from: Mad Kestrel (Paperback)
This seagoing adventure feels both familiar and exotic at the same time, combining elements of historical fantasy with an otherworldly setting. You can lose yourself in the bustling harbor town of Eldraga, with its colorful inns and gritty back alleys, and there's plenty of swashbuckling action and a dash of pirate humor. But meanwhile, the looming presence of the unseen Danisoban mages adds an element of the supernatural even before we see how the subtle magic works its way into the story. The characters are particularly well-drawn, especially the aging Captain Binns, Kestrel herself, and the ragtag pirate crew. Their behavior is just what you'd expect from a bunch of nautical rogues, but the tale is full of unexpected turns as well.
All in all, a fantastic first effort from Misty Massey. It ended too soon, but I won't complain, since now the stage is set for Kestrel's further adventures. Should appeal to fans of Scott Lynch's
The Lies of Locke Lamora, as well as books like
On Stranger Tides by Tim Powers and Michael Scott Rohan's
Chase the Morning.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
