Customer Reviews

The Wysard

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In reading fantasy novels, one becomes aware of certain patterns, certain shapes such tales take. Among them are the quest, the defense of a realm against an evil invader, and the fulfillment of a destiny or prophecy. The best novels are those which combine those elements, like Tolkien's Rings saga -- and the best of these break the molds, and recast them in new shapes; Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn comes to mind, as does the work of Tim Powers. Add to them Wysard, the impressive first novel by the highly talented Carolyn Kephart. The familiar "plot-patterns" above are there for the reader to spot -- but rarely do they take familiar courses. Instead they take on unique forms, and in the process tell a tale that will enchant and delight any discerning reader of fantasy.

Wysard is the tale of Ryel Mirai, young Lord Adept of the otherworldly city of Markul. Ryel, like his fellow Adepts, is a practitioner of the sorcerer's Art. Kephart reveals, through the expert use of flashbacks, how Ryel was trained in both wysardry and swordcraft by Edris, his gruff but caring mentor. Scenes of Ryel's early life in a semi-barbaric Steppes village, and later of his inauspicious arrival at Markul, give the reader insight into the outwardly confident, inwardly uncertain man Ryel becomes.

As the narrative deepens, we learn that Edris has died under mysterious circumstances, and that Ryel, having practiced the "cruel Art of Elecambron" (a rival wysard-enclave), has become an Overreacher, a virtual outcast among his people. This Overreaching has turned his eyes a chilling, voidlike black -- even the whites -- and has left him open to the temptations of the powerful daimon, Dagar. It's Dagar who draws Ryel forth from Markul and into the World, where the young wysard must seek the truth about Dagar's intentions, Edris's death, and his own life. Along the way Ryel retuns to his Steppes home, and travels to the city of Almancar to heal its Sovrana, Diara, driven to madness by Dagar.

The answers that await Ryel on his journey are surprising, and deepen the mysteries which surround him. Kephart has a flair for the unexpected, which she uses to trememndous effect throughout Wysard...and I wish I could cite an example or two, but I'd hate to spoil anything! Instead I'll say that several times I thought I knew where Kephart was heading -- only to find I was dead wrong. Any writer who can surprise me that often and well is, in my book, a genuine treasure.

Another area where Kephart excels is her descriptive, lush, sensual prose. Whether describing Almancar and its surroundings, Ryel's first impressions of Edris, or the dramatic scene whee young Ryel is struck by lightning, Kephart brings each moment to vibrant life, filling the reader's mind with the sights, sounds, and scents of Ryel's world. World-building is vital to any work of fantasy, and Kephart succeeeds admirably at it. Wysard's settings come alive; her description of the smells in Ryel's Steppes village, "the compacted miasma of meat seared by fire, of hot spices, horses, human sweat, the gritty reek of dust and smoke," is just one of many vivid examples.

More problematic is the issue of character. Wysard is populated with a large cast, most of it minor supporting characters. It's hard on a first reading to keep track of their comings and goings (and, as in Wonderland, these people come and go with a most startling suddenness), though one can do so with a little extra effort. And while male characters such as Ryel, Edris, Diara's brother Priamnor, Ryel's rival Michael Essern, and especially Dagar, are well-defined and believable, I had trouble with some of the women in the novel. Diara, Ryel's mother Mira, and his sister Nelora, struck me as rough sketches in an unfinished painting, figures the artist neglected to flesh out. Diara in particular, important as she is, seems little more than a prop, a toy played with and then put away. More believable for me were Ryel's Art-sisters, the Lady Serah and Srin Yan Tai. Both are key to the story, and both made a significant impact with me. Perhaps the best female character was Belphira, encountered in Almancar's pleasure district, the Diamond Heaven, and whose brief but vital appearance is one of Wysard's most heartfelt and inspired moments.

And while I'm on the subject of the Diamond Heaven, now seems an appropriate moment to mention that Wysard is a dark, mature novel, meant for mature readers. Kephart doesn't shy away from scenes of violence and overt sexuality, and she's to be commended for her straightforward, adult attitude towards these subjects. She does not use them merely for the sake of thrill or titillation, but as moments vital to the narrative. This is the mark of a smart and confident writer, who knows how to achieve an effect without resorting to mere vulgarity -- save for the use of a certain four-letter-word, which I felt was anachronistic, jarring, and one of Wysard's few genuine flaws.

But the flaws are minor, at worst. Overall Wysard is one of the best fantasy novels I've read in some time -- and the best thing is that it ends with the tantalizing promise of more to come. Ryel's tale continues (and concludes) in a sequel, Lord Brother, which I've just begun reading; it promises to be even better than its predecessor. Kephart is without a doubt a major new voice in the field, and I hope you enjoy what she has to say as much as I did.

Ryel, the young protagonist, has spent most of his life in a walled city with other wysards for company. He has lived a very sheltered life. He left home as a child with his uncle and mentor to gain knowledge and refine his magical skills. However, his mentor is killed by an evil presence, Daggar, and a young princess cries out for help. Ryel must leave his home and return to the world for revenge, or is there a way to help his mentor?

Think you've heard it all before? Well, maybe you have, but you haven't heard it like this. Each character is well developed and very real. Each has flaws, quirks, momments of courage, and momments of almost insurmountable self-doubt. They form loving friendships, and destroy friendships because of suspiscion. You will feel their triumphs, as well as their pain.

Even more impressive is the imagery of this novel. You will be transported to Ms. Kepharts world. The descriptions of Almancar left me overwhelmed. I read these passages over and over.

And finally, the story: though you may find yourself rapidly turning pages to quench your overwhelming desire to find out what's next, I caution the reader to read slowly and not miss a word of Ms. Kephart's beautiful prose.

As an avid fantasy reader, I have read books by many authors. Few have the technical skill and rich depths of prose found in the Wysard. This book reveals a world filled with striking cultures and offers insights into the characters that are not often seen in this genre. The main character Ryel is surrounded by a building sexual tension that changes his role in the world as he discovers the machinations of the malevolent Dagar. From intensely intimate scenes between Ryel and Edris, to Michael's stark cruelty, this book was crafted with word by word care and it shows. I eagerly await part 2 of the Wysard and highly recommend this first book in the Wysard series.

I'll begin this review by stating I am an unabashed admirer of Carolyn Kephart's talent. She writes lyrical, magical prose, the words as musical and mystical as the fantasy world created in her novel, WYSARD. Kephart has a keen eye for detail and description, and her eloquent passages are wonderfully and artfully crafted.

WYSARD is the story of Ryel Mirai, a young man born into the Art of spells and magic, trained and mentored in the mist-shrouded city of Markul. Decimated by the death of Edris, his uncle and mentor, Ryel leaves the sanctuary of Markul, first to heal his mother, then to confront Dagar, an evil, mercurial spirit looking to regain human form. Ryel's quest brings him to the city of Almancar in the Kingdom of Destimar, a city where he must pit his Art against the treachery of Dagar and his agents.

As well written as this book is, the story failed to involve me, to captivate me, make me care what happened next to Ryel or the other characters. Reading is, of course, a subjective experience, so by no means should my reservations hinder others who enjoy works of fantasy. I had some problems with the numerous flashbacks, which I felt interfered with the book's pacing, and I was troubled by all the last-minute storylines that popped up. (Yes, I know that WYSARD is but the first of two books, yet the addition of the new characters and storylines over the novel's last 20 pages left me frustrated.) Basically, I as the reader was on the outside looking in, never immersed in the story.

Personally, I hope this author will delve into other genres in addition to fantasy--historical fiction comes to mind--as her talent is more than sufficient to move all over the fictional spectrum. I'm a big fan of Carolyn Kephart, just not as enthusiastic a fan of this story.
--D. Mikels

In "Wysard", Carolyn Kephart weaves a tale that is strung with musical cadences throughout, flowing with the melodious beauty of an epic poem. The storyline itself is simple, relaying the adventures of the wysard Ryel and his quest to save the World--and himself--from the clutches of an overwhelming dark power. This theme, combined with its lyric rhythm, liken "Wysard" to Ursula LeGuin's "Wizard of Earthsea".

There the similarities end, for "Wysard" is not a novel that confines itself to the mystical heights of fantasy: while Kephart succeeds in exploring the unearthly dimension of the magical, it is with a keen edge of earthly sensuality. And sensual indeed is Kephart's prose, conveying a vast array of gorgeous and terrifying images that linger long after the tale has ended. It is also strangely dreamlike, creating an atmosphere of otherworldly fantasy similar to Peter Beagle's "Last Unicorn".

Given the majestic tone of the story and the higher plane of fantasy upon which it is built, it seems appropriate that the characters are somewhat larger-than-life, and this does not interfere with the reader's ability to relate to them in the slightest. Ryel's relationship with Priamnor is well-drawn and one of the highlights of the book, but more moving is the relationship of Ryel and Edris. A romance is also clearly in the offing, but thus far Kephart has only tantalized the reader with hints of it.

The plot is constructed with a slight reliance on the use of flashbacks, which is nice change from the usual info-dump. However, occasionally there appear to be logical gaps in the plot, or things come up quite suddenly without a prior rationale or introduction attached (such as Priam's siblings, who seem to come into existence when they are needed). Diara could also use more of a personality, but since she did not feature in this book overmuch, that is perhaps work that is being reserved for the next book.

In "Wysard", Kephart has created a vivid world with interesting characters and world-sized conflicts. Most notably, she has succeeded in suffusing her novel with something which is sadly lacking in many fantasy novels: an atmosphere of magic.

I am not a fan of fantasy; I prefer sci-fi, no magicians, wizards or dragons need apply. Yet I like some authors who cross over into fantasy from sci-fi like Ursula LeGuin, Anne McCaffrey and Sherri Tepper.

Carolyn Kephart's "Wysard" starts out a bit like "Harry Potter." Ryel is highly gifted with magical ability, has a scar from a lightning bolt, leaves home and goes off to study with Master Edris. Here's where the similarity ends. "Wysard" is for teens and adults, not for kids. There's none of the whimsical Potter humor here. "Wysard" is PURE fantasy.

The strained relationship with Ryel with his mentor Edris, Ryel's subsequent quest and conflict in his role in the magical city-state of Markul are compelling. The struggles are heroic. There is a lot of action and good character development. My only criticism is that the scenes move back and forth between the mature Ryel and the youth Ryel and sometimes the transition is not smooth, so you have to pay attention.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed this novel. If you are a fan of fantasy like the Earthsea books of LeGuin, you will definitely enjoy "Wysard."

Wysard reads more like a heroic medieval warrior romance than a fantasy novel. The language is grander and more poetic than the run of the mill fantasy novel. This, for me anyway, gives it the feel of one of those translated stories from the golden age of Amour Courtois, the Song of Roland, the Morte D'Arthur, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight etc.

The use of magic arts in the novel is (thankfully) used as a subtext to the more important issues of personal character, friendship, kinship and love.

A piece of advice often given to journalists is to write a piece, and then take out the best line in the edit. Because this is likely to be the most self-indulgent writing. If I were to edit Wysard I would cut the first line to ribbons. I found it intimidating. But don't be put off by it. The rest of the book is really well written, unlike that frightening opening line.

When the book ended I felt I was only getting a feel for Ryel Mirai, and others have commented on the inappropriateness of the cut of this book into two volumes. Publishers- what can I say!

Wysard does not suffer from that disease of many fantasy writers, the interminable need to build world upon world until the books run to multiple volumes (we could call it WOT syndrome). Her world is drawn with a few simple brush strokes, but is no less colorful or detailed for all the brevity. Surely the mark of a great writer. And may we please see more?

Carolyn Kephard earned her Ph.D. in English Literature from Penn State University. Her area of expertise includes English Literature through the Medieval, Renaissance and Restoration periods. Wysard is the first of a two-part series revolving around a young adept named Ryel Mirai, who leaves his harsh existence on the Inner Steppes to study with Edris, his father's brother, in Marcul learning the art of the Wysand.

As Ryel discovers, his father Yorganar is not really his father:

"Ryel had never in his life heard any man other than his father call his mother by her name. It was unfit, as it was unfit for a married woman to remain in the presence of an newcomer after the first greetings were done, or speak to her brother-in-law, or oppose her husband in anything. But his mother was not of the Steppes, and had kept the ways of her city. What shocked Ryel even more was that his father had not ordered her to withdraw, nor rebuked her for her presumption. He felt confused and uneasy at so much law-breaking."

Ryel studies for a dozen years in Markul, learning that his gift is great and that there is a dark side to the art...a wraithworld of the void. Precocious as he is, Ryel overreaches and is rewarded with the dark eyes seen only by fellow wysands. Edris dies mysteriously, and Ryel is lured out into the world by Dagar, a disembodied spirit from the shadows, who promises much in his lust to occupy Ryel's body. Ryel takes the challenge and finds that he has allies in high and powerful places...who are also of his blood. As his powers grow, so does the danger, as he travels ever closer to the void which entraps Edris.

Wysard is superbly well crafted, and Carolyn Kephart is going to pick up a fan in anyone who picks up this book. She has the power to truly convey the reader into this pleasurable world of magic and yearning. Her imagination is as rich as her writing is concise. Kephard picks up the reader, who embarks on a river of fantasy, only to whimper for more when the story reaches its stopping point. All the reader can hope for is a speedy second book to reestablish the connection at the earliest possible time. Wysard is a fascinating, and Kephard is talented.

Shelley Glodowski, Reviewer

Plot/Storyline: 4 3/4 Stars

I am extremely picky about the types of fantasy novels that I enjoy. They must be skillfully written within a world that I can picture and feel as though I am a part. I don't like a whole bunch of sword fighting or wizards throwing fire balls without a good, solid story behind it.

Ms. Kephart has met my criteria with ease. She has created an imaginary world that the reader can step into, feel, and taste.

I wanted the whole thing with the Overreacher eyes to be better explained. Hopefully, this will happen in the sequel.

Character Development: 5 Stars

The main character evokes sympathy and empathy. He is a deep character with hopefully further depths that will be plumbed in the sequel.

I loved the way the novel started off. When I started reading, my first thought was that the protagonist was going to be a murderer that I would not like. I was pleasantly surprised to find differently.

Writing Style: 5 Stars

Many fantasy authors overdo the 'other language' thing by interjecting way too many words where the reader feels like they have to learn an entire language just to read the book. At no time did M. Kephart do this. The main character does know several languages and demonstrates a time or two. However, the translations are plentiful and the 'made-up' language words are easily understood.

Editing/Formatting: 5 Stars

Excellent!



Overall:

An excellent beginning to a fantasy series.

Length: Short Novel

Rating: PG-13, or perhaps R - Hard to say, but definitely a novel for adults

This lush and magical fantasy novel tells the story of Ryel Mirai, a lord of Markul, who embarks on a treacherous quest in which the stakes are higher than his life or the lives of those he loves-- the stakes include their souls and their world. In flashbacks we learn that Ryel entered the city and began learning to become a wysard (think "wizard") at a young age. He had to leave behind his family in the process, but he gained a new family in the wysards who taught him, including Edris, who had old and enigmatic ties to Ryel's family.
At the opening of the book, Edris has died under mysterious circumstances that tormet Ryel. Ryel is also hearing voices-- actually, just a single, taunting voice that is telling him to venture beyond the walls of the city and travel elsewhere to save a beautiful princess, as well as his own mother, who is sick and dying.
While he may have ignored the plight of a princess who was a stranger to him, he cannot ignore his mother's need of his skill as a learned physician and a powerful wysard. Ryel soon finds that dark forces are intertwined with the horrific events in his life: the evil sorcerer, Dagar, is determined to defeat him and rule Markul. This is only the beginning of a battle between good and evil.
This book has all the elements of a superior fantasy novel, including the creation of a unique, full-blooded world. Wysard's world is more like four worlds, since there are four great cities described. Another element is the battle of good against evil, with the good not being perfect, and the evil tempting its characters. The book will make the reader think and wonder, not only about the storyline, but about the nature of life, death, and fate. As in real life, there are no easy or simple answers.
The author keeps the action flowing while revealing the inner workings of the wysard's mind. The language and imagery of the book are rich and eloquent. The plot has a satisfying amount of twists and keeps the reader turning those pages. Most of the characters are three-dimensional: they are human and realistic, with flaws, secrets, and complexities. The only prominent character that would be served well with further development was the love interest, the princess Diara. Perhaps that will be something to look forward to in the next book.
As for criticism, I can only say that I did not know this was book one of a series that will be continued in Part II, and I can't wait to read that one as well. I'm hooked. If it has not been released yet, I urge Ms. Kephart to hurry up and publish it. I highly recommend this book.