The Magicians' Daughter: Book Three of the Stoneways Trilogy [Kindle Edition]

S. C. Butler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The inflated closing volume of Butler's generational Stoneways Trilogy (after 2007's Queen Ferris) uneasily combines YA fantasy and romance. Hubley, the 10-year-old daughter of magicians Reiffen and Ferris, becomes the target of Reiffen's old teacher and enemy, the wicked Wizard Fornoch. When Reiffen's concern for Hubley turns obsessively irrational, Hubley's magical talent surfaces. She and Reiffen's friend Avender, himself tragically caught in a Camelot-style love triangle with the wife of his king and friend, struggle to redeem Reiffen with the help of stale fantasy-quest figures like the shape-shifting bear Redburr. A pedestrian, predictable plot; tired true-love platitudes (Babies first, immortality after); and a spoiled young drama queen heroine make for a sluggish conclusion to an initially promising coming-of-age saga. (May)
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From School Library Journal

Grade 7–10—This overly long final book in the trilogy jumps 10 years into the future with Reiffen and Ferris's precocious daughter, Hubley, eagerly awaiting her 10th birthday and the beginning of her "real magic" training. Although the siege of Rimwich and the death of the two Wizards led to continuing peace, Reiffen grows increasingly fearful that surviving Wizard Fornoch plans to kidnap Hubley. Reiffen's loyal friend Avender joins forces with Ferris, Hubley, and others to try to prevent Reiffen's descent into madness. Fans of Avender from his role in the earlier novels will enjoy his appearance as a major character here, though the doomed love triangle between him, Queen Wellin, and King Brizen, grows thin by the middle of the book. Although Butler turns some of the conventional tenets of fantasy on their heads, he gives in to others in the form of stereotypical characters. The somewhat convoluted plot and occasional slow pace may keep all but die-hard fantasy fans away, and even those who do persevere may be disappointed in the bittersweet ending.—Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD END

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 710 KB
• Print Length: 458 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0765314797
• Publisher: Tor Books (April 1, 2010)
• Sold by: Macmillan
• Language: English
• ASIN: B002ASFQ0E
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #247,962 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

More About the Author

Reiffen's Choice is the first book in my fanatsy trilogy, The Stoneways. If you want to learn more about me, check out my website at www.valingstoneways.com.

Enjoy the books!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent finish with more hinted at with the end., December 14, 2009

By 

Aaron Brown (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Magicians' Daughter: Book Three of the Stoneways Trilogy (Hardcover)

The other reviewers mentioned the psychological aspects of the book, which Butler nails. There are also more adult themes in this book including infertility and even adultery. Yet despite these adult themes and a grim overtone this book has a taste of sweetness. I'm not sure whether it is the dashes of humor thrown in or what, but at the end of the book you still feel uplifted. That is pretty impressive considering we're dealing with quarreling spouses, daughter versus father, best friend conflict etc.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Ending to a Marvelous Trilogy, May 20, 2009

By 

Michael A. Heald "A Rumor of Dragons" (APO, AA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Magicians' Daughter: Book Three of the Stoneways Trilogy (Hardcover)

I'll be brief and to the point. Buy and read this trilogy. You will be happy that you did.

4.0 out of 5 stars fine fantasy, May 8, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Magicians' Daughter: Book Three of the Stoneways Trilogy (Hardcover)

The wicked Wizard Fornoch turns his attention from destroying his former student the magician Reiffen and his enemy's mage wife Ferris to their ten years old offspring Hubley. At least that is what Reiffen believes the last wizard, who once abducted him, (see REIFFEN'S CHOICE) plans. Reiffen turns so obsessive in his efforts to keep his daughter safe, he drives his spouse and child crazy while they wonder if he is going mad with his paranoid fixation.

However, his over protection leads to a frustrated Hubley suddenly finding her magical skills. Still she, her mom, her father's friend Avender, and others try to keep her safe from the evil Fornoch and even more so from her insane phobic father. Avender has his own issues as he loves the queen who is married to a close friend. All this preoccupation is going on while the manderstone expands in Issinlough.

The premise of Reiffen losing his mind is a terrific concept as heroes never mentally fall apart, but the story line feels somewhat padded especially with a bittersweet romantic triangular subplot. The Stoneways fantasy has moved on with the next generation title character playing a major role (and not as her increasingly demented father's fear for her - keep in mind the paranoid can sometimes be right). Fans of the saga will enjoy the finish that started as a coming of age thriller (REIFFEN'S CHOICE) became a morality drama (QUEEN FERRIS) and ends with a psychological save the world thriller.

Harriet Klausner