Customer Reviews

The Mistress of the Jewels (Westria, No 1)

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

 

 

A little about me. . . I have read nearly everything by Diana Paxson, starting with her more recent works (e.g., "Wolf and the Raven," "Dragons on the Rhine," the "Hallowed Isle" series). It wasn't until recently that I could acquire all of the Westria novels and read them.

I disagree with the negative comments by another reviewer. The Westria series was one of Diana Paxson's first novels and, as an early novel, is quite good. It may help to understand how "Mistress of the Jewels" fits into the entire series. While other authors give you a short, brief descent into chaos/evil from which the hero/heroine must emerge, in "Mistress" Ms. Paxson shows you the descent and the contributing factors. It isn't until "Silverhair the Wanderer" (pt. 3 of the Westria series) that you are truly introduced to all of the heroes and heroines and begin to see their struggle to emerge from chaos/evil. As such, "Mistress" is truly a 'prequel,' and it is in later books of the Westria series that Ms. Paxson's character and plot development truly shine.

All in all, the entire series is a good read.

i disagree with the above review. i have never read the short stories, but i loved this book. i found the characters deep and compelling. i loved the premise and the story.

Lady of Light and Lady of Darkness introduce interesting characters in a fabulous setting (apparently Earth after an apocalypse) but the endings are unsatisfying, especially in the second book. The hero and heroine, Faris and Jehan, vacillate between strength and weakness and become rather blase in Lady of Darkness. Still, the series is entertaining and worth reading. Perhaps more appropriate for teens than adults.

Perhaps I misjudged Ms. Paxon's ability as a novelist. I first came across her works in one of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword And Sorceress anthologies. Ms Paxon's short story was incredible! Apon discovering that a friend of mine had the Jewels of Westria, a book by the same author as one of my favorite short stories, I practically STOLE his copy! I started reading enthusiastically, but that passed rather quickly.. The plot is predictable, and not particualrly deep. The characters are generally boring and lacking in depth or personality. Sorry, Ms Paxon. This one is a bomber!