Customer Reviews

A Tapestry of Spells (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 4)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First, since some confusion exists regarding the progression of the Nine Kingdom's books, here's a current list (as of Jan '11):

Two Prelude short stories, found in anthologies with other authors:
The Queen in Winter (When Symon, the first king of Neroche, woos and wins Iolaire)
To Weave a Web of Magic (The Tale of Two Swords where Mehar and Gilraehen fall in love)

Miach and Morgan's story is told in:
1- Star of the Morning (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 1)
2- The Mage's Daughter (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 2)
3- Princess of the Sword (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 3)

Ruith and Sarah's story (which OVERLAPS Miach and Morgan's story in the timeline) is told in:
4- A Tapestry of Spells (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 4) (this book)
5- Spellweaver (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 5)
6- Gift of Magic, due to be published in January 2012

And she's said there are more Nine Kingdoms trilogies planned for successive Januaries.

Ruithneadh, or Ruith as he is called, is the youngest of Morgan's older brothers as well as the once-boyhood-friend of Miach. (Miach and Morgan being the heroes in the first trilogy.) In those books, Ruith was presumed dead, but there was no proof. A Tapestry of Spells is the first in a new trilogy telling his story.

After a prologue which describes the terrible events at the well, Ruith was so horrified by what his father did and so mistrustful of himself, his temper, and his own power that he buried all three near Diore, a village which "lay to the south in the county of Shettlestoune, which found itself comfortably to the south of anywhere else." And there they stayed buried...until the very pretty and fiery and mysterious Sarah comes along. To make things even more uncomfortable for him, the silvery ribbon of fate that accompanies her is colored with both the beautiful elvin colors and magic of his Fadairian heritage, but also the darkness embraced by his father, the infamous (and thankfully dead) Gair of Caingail.

Sarah has been carefully hiding both secrets and gold toward the day when she can escape Doire and make a life somewhere without thieves and thorns and everything else that Doire is filled with. She'd rather weave her patterns of beauty in the kingdom of Neroche, or possible Meith, and hopefully begin the trip there before her brother brings his evil magic home again. But Daniel arrives with more than she'd bargained for, forcing her to abandon her carefully laid plans and set out to stop him instead.

The result is a quest led by a woman who doesn't seem to have magic, though she does have the steadily-increasing ability to see magic that others have wrought...guarded by a mage hiding vast amounts of elvin power and his past behind a heavy cloak and every non-magical weapon available...and accompanied by the extremely odd assortment of companions they pick up along the way. Their aim at first is merely to stop Sarah's brother, but it isn't too long before we discover that Gair of Caingail's reach extends beyond the grave, and only Sarah's sight and Ruith's knowledge of his father are capable of stopping the evil that Gair's spells have planted.

Why do I love it? Well...though some might call it a bit slow in places, it is (as all of Lynn Kurland's books are) a beautiful unfolding of characters and relationships, as well as a careful weaving of a tale that must have all of its anchoring threads in place for the beauty and power of it to be shown. It's intriguing to discover that this story actually takes place WHILE Star of the Morning and The Mage's Daughter are happening.

A Tapestry of Spells is also nicely different from the first trilogy. Ruith is not just another Miach, Sosar, Turah, or whatever other mage or elvin prince you care to name. His fear of what he might do is very real, and his weaknesses and what holds him back are very justified. Not once did I feel that his character was contrived. Sarah is also quite different, possessing a gift that seems to be quite rare in the Nine Kingdoms...a gift that even mages with vast amounts of power do not have. Her past is still a mystery, and at this point in the story, we do not even know if she, herself, knows why she has the gift she does. She is fiery and independent without being irritatingly so, and she still has a soft heart.

The romance between Ruith and Sarah has only just begun in this story. They are falling for each other, but you will not find even so much as a kiss between these pages. You WILL, however, be swept into their hearts as those magical first moments of love keep weaving themselves into their quest.

I wish I could give the story 4 1/2 stars, but since that's not possible, I'm settling for 4. I don't want to give it a 5, because this trilogy does not compare to the first Nine Kingdoms trilogy. My only fault with this particular book is that it's a bit slow and repetitious in a few places. I think the story would have been stronger if extra words had been cut out, leaving the same plot told in a more concise way. The beginnings of romance, beautiful writing, and magic moments make up for that, though.

Finally, I'll warn that this book leaves off with a cliffhanger, just like Star of the Morning (The Nine Kingdoms, Book 1) did. But like that one, this is the first in a trilogy (the next two are set to be released in January of '11 and '12). The story continues with Spellweaver and concludes with Gift of Magic.

Sarah lives in a nasty back-water of the Nine Kingdoms and has been secretly saving up enough money in order to get away. She hopes to make her living by her skill at weaving. But her nasty brother puts a crimp in her plans. He steals her money and worse, has been studying dark magic and declares that he is determined to destroy the Nine Kingdoms.

Sarah knows she needs to try and stop her brother, but she doesn't have magic powers that can defeat him, so she travels to find a mage who can help her. Reputedly there is a powerful mage who lives like a hermit in the deep woods nearby, so she heads there, even though she has nothing and confronting a mage is a dangerous proposition.

Ruith has been living, isolated, using the reputation of the mage that used to inhabit his tower as a means to keep everyone away. Long ago he buried his magic and is determined to never use it. When Sarah barges into his life, at first he sends her away... but then he realizes that her brother is a problem and Sarah won't stop until she can make sure he doesn't carry out his evil plans. Even as a magic-less man, Ruith decides he needs to help her.

This is the first part of a second trilogy set in the world of the Nine Kingdoms. I have enjoyed Kurland's historicals and the earlier fantasy romance trilogy, and I enjoyed this book as well. The relationship builds slowly, as this is only the beginning book (and it ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger, so don't read it until the next book is out if you dislike that kind of thing!). Both characters have secrets, some they know about and some they don't! But they are good people and heroic, and it is exciting to follow them on their adventure, battling with evil creatures and evil mages and seeing how they start to work together and build a relationship.

Some reviewers here have marked this tale down because the story is continued in the next books, which is too bad...

The most important thing to know about this book is that it is NOT the only book-I repeat, this is NOT the end! I just found out that it's the first book in a new trilogy. It ends in a major cliffhanger that may leave you with physical and emotional side effects; ie cold sweats, panic, fits of anger, waking up your spouse/signif. other/dog(s) and/or cat(s) to tell them "there is no way this is the end of the book!"!

Lynn Kurland is one of my favorite authors. However, I have not read the previous trilogy. I hate to admit that I didn't even know it existed. (You know how Life gets in the way and you unintentionally stop taking time for yourself-which, for me, means curling up with a good book!) The last three days I've gone to bed reading this book until 2am (THAT'S how I know I've picked a good book!) completely absorbed in the story. When I finished the book this morning I couldn't believe it. I'm used to reading the books where everyone lives happily ever after and all the problems are solved in just one book! I just assumed this one would be the same. I'll admit-I was angry! I suffered from all the side effects listed above!

So first thing this morning I went on amazon.com and was reassured that this is only the first book and the story will continue and it's not the end. Whew! I was hoping the next book was out so I could buy it immediately and find out what happens, but I have to wait till Jan 2011, then Jan 2012 for the final book. No such luck. Just another way of knowing I picked a good book, I guess! At least I still have the previous trilogy to catch up on while I wait!

Now that I'm relieved and on the other side of the "trauma" I went through early this morning, I will say that this was a beautifully written, totally absorbing book. I liked how one reviewer described Sarah-tough and determined, but not overly tough. You can see that she has a soft heart and is thoughtful and tender with Ruith-selflessly, but without him knowing what it costs her-yet at the same time she would not allow him or anyone else treat her without respect. Both of them have so much to discover about themselves that they've hidden for so long, "stuffed down inside, like a well, latched close, to be forgotten about". You can see that, without each other and what each of them bring to and out of each other, they would never be able to face their "demons". I cannot imagine two more books would cover everything! I cannot wait to find out how this ends-for real, this time!

Sarah of Doìre, daughter of the village witchwoman, spies a half page from a powerful spell book in her brother's room. When she reached toward it, the spell erupted from the page, wrapped itself around her wrist, and left its dark mark. Her brother, Daniel, has embraced the dark arts and vows to destroy the Nine Kingdoms. Unable to stop him alone, Sarah seeks aid from a powerful mage rumored to live a reclusive life in the mountains.

Ruithneadh "Ruith" (of a place he refuses to tell) was around the age of ten when his father opened a well of evil. The evil spewed from the well and came down to slaughter the entire family. Ruith somehow survived and found refuge in an abandoned cottage within the mountains. He took every last drop of the magic he possessed and buried it deep within himself, topped with powerful spells of concealment and un-noticing. Now grown, Ruith lets everyone believes as they will, but he has never uncorked and used his magic for anything or anyone. But when Sarah arrives at his door, desperate for help against one of his father's dark spells, Ruith finds himself thrust into the life of magic and peril. Though Daniel of Doìre has little magic and only half of the Diminishing spell, should he not be stopped the entire Nine Kingdoms will suffer as never before.

**** FOUR STARS! Be warned that this title has a cliff-hanger ending. As for the story, I found the characters to be well developed and their quest to be larger than life. It blends to make a tale that will be long remembered. With several spell pages scattered around the Nine Kingdoms, the author has lots of potential with future stories. If you have read the previous stories, you may notice one section where our current characters enter a place shortly after previous characters have left. I will say nothing more about it, but I thought it to be a very nice touch indeed. Brava! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Very much like Star of the Morning (the first book in the series). It was full of rounded, rich characters, adventures, and mystery. You don't need to read the previous three books in the series to enjoy this one. It begins with a new character and setting, but I would recommend that you read them in order anyway. A Tapestry of Spells's timeline coinsides with Star of Morning. Knowing the story of the "Well" beforehand would help the reader understand what is happening. I especially liked the very small tidbits that Kurkland threw in here and there mentioning the warrior woman hero from the previous books.

For those of you who have read the previous three, this story begins with a surviving brother from the "Well." Ruithneadh was 10 years old when his father opened the well. When he came to, and searched the clearing, he thought he was the only one left alive. He ran. He ran far and long until he came to an empty cabin in the south. When he woke up, it was to find the cabin stocked and warm. And so he stayed for 20 years, and would have stayed longer if the lovely witch's daughter from the nearby town did not knock on his door to ask for help.

I read this book in two days. I thought it was lovely. I really like how Kurland slowly weaves together a strong romantic couple and yet provides for them the adventure and conflicts that does not tear them apart but makes them stronger. I'm looking forward to the next one. Especially since, she left us with a huge cliffhanger at the end of this one.

Sarah of Doire fears her brother has embraced the dark arts. Although she is a witchwoman's daughter, she does not have the power to stop him from destroying the Nine Kingdoms, and thus, must find a mage willing to help her in her quest.

After seeing his entire family slain by dark magic, Ruithneadh has sworn to never use his powers again. He has buried his magic deep down inside himself, but when Sarah comes to him for help, he knows he must make the impossible journey back to his past, before the fabric of the Nine Kingdoms is unraveled forever.

A TAPESTRY OF SPELLS continues Lynn Kurland's successful Nine Kingdoms books, giving readers a whole new trilogy that is sure to thrill and delight her fans.

Though I am not normally a fantasy reader, I have been enamored of Ms. Kurland's Nine Kingdoms books since the first one was released, and am happy to say that A TAPESTRY OF SPELLS is every bit as good (if not better) as that first book.

Ruithneadh is a conflicted hero, tortured by his past, and driven by a future that is deeply rooted in things he'd rather forget. I absolutely adored him. He is beautifully written, complex, honorable, and charming. Lynn Kurland excels at writing heroes to root for, and Ruith is definitely a man that readers will remember long after the final page.

Sarah is a strong, capable heroine, who sees threads of magic in places that others cannot. I loved that about her. She doesn't shy away from danger and adversity, even though she has a healthy dose of fear and self-preservation when it comes to the strange creatures that are shadowing her and Ruith's every move.

Ms. Kurland's writing style is, as always, lyrical and beautiful, drawing us into an enchanted world and making us believe in mages, elves, and powerful magic. Her plot is expertly weaved from beginning to the final cliff-hanger climax that puts readers on edge for the next book.

A TAPESTRY OF SPELLS is not to be missed!

Reviewed for CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

I absolutely love Lynn Kurland's books. Her writing style is second to none- the humor, the local color, the swoon-worthy heroes, drama, and of course, the romance. For a single gal, these are great stories to live vicariously through- though it does set pretty high standards for any prospects...

That being said, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed in the latest Nine Kingdom's book, A Tapestry of Spells. The story, plot and characters felt too familiar - like it was merely a slight reworking of the previous trilogy with similar acting characters just different names.

Sarah of Doire is seemingly just your normal girl next door trying to make a living (well technically amass enough $$ to escape) using the remnants of her mother's trade (witchcraft- spells and potions). She has a mysterious and dangerous brother, Daniel, who steals all her savings and destroys her home, leaving her with the parting words that he's off to destroy the world. She, like Morgan before her, is unknowing and doesn't understand her own magic. So she goes in search of the nearest mage, one that she knows only by reputation, as the old, crotchety one in the mountain keep.

This mage turns out to be Ruith, who sequestered himself and his immense power away after escaping from the "business at the well". He is fearful that his heritage, of being the offspring of the evil Gair, will come back to haunt him and destroy any hopes he has of living a normal, magic-free, good life. So to avoid following down his father's path (which he fears would be unavoidable considering his amount of power) he hides his magic deep within himself and tries to live a quiet, hermit-like existence. That is until Sarah comes a'knocking at his door. He begrudgingly follows after Sarah to aid in her quest, not by use of his magic but his knowledge and sword. He deceives Sarah into thinking that he's just a hermit, only capable of being her guardsman rather than the mage who can help her stop her brother. But it turns out Sarah isn't as un-magical as she thought. She is able to see what even mages aren't able to see, as well as "threads" of spells and be of more help than she had originally thought.

Ruith, like Miach, is a wonderful hero- he's sweet, gentle, sensitive and yet strong in character and of course tall, dark and handsome. He always looks out for her best interests; trying to protect her even if it means leaving her behind. But Sarah, just like Morgan, isn't one to take being left behind well, at all. As with Miach and Morgan, their interactions are the best parts of the story, being sweet and smile/sigh-inducing. They are perfectly suited for each other and I can't wait to see their relationship truly blossom.

A foundation is laid for something big to happen. But not much happens in this first book. There is some build up to something more but not much action or plot development. Towards the end, there's seems to be a good twist coming but then the book ends... so you're just left hanging.

I will still give A Tapestry of Spells 4 stars just because I enjoy Ms. Kurland's writing and I'm sure that once the trilogy is complete, that this one will worth re-reading. It's so nice not to have to worry about encountering a graphic love scene. I know that I can count on her stories being clean and at most PG rated. I have gotten my mom hooked on them, and that wouldn't have happened if they were written any differently. So I'm still hopeful that with the conclusion of this story, in the next two books, it will end up being just as good as her previous efforts, just with a questionable beginning.

I must start my review by saying I am a big fan of Kurland. I have read everything she has published. I like her writing styles and her characters and even the repetitive things she puts in all her books because I know exactly what to expect from her. I waited till all three books were out in this trilogy before I began it because I knew I would throw a huge temper tantrum if I didn't because she likes to leave you hanging at the end of her Nine Kingdoms books. I liked that this book went side by side with the other 1st book. Brother and sister were just starting there adventures at the same time. I loved when the book spoke of Miach and Morgan those were three of my favorite books of all time and I highly suggest reading them FIRST! It helps these three books make a lot more sense.I love the adventure and the romance and the tension between the characters. I love the magic and the two broken people finding themselves threw there journey and in each other. I LOVE that these books are clean and a very fun read. BUT< I was disappointed it wasn't a little more different from the first three. There are many similarities, but I am just going to enjoy them and not over analyze it! Thank you Kurland!

Definitely a good read I could never seem to put it down. I would recommend this series . You really need to read all the books to under stand it.

I really liked the first three of this series but felt sort of ripped off with this one. It didn't feel like a complete story and just sort of ended. The characters are ok and I really hope that the next one makes up for it.