Havenstar - Glenda Noramly > Reviews > Can't put it down!

Author's product rating:   

Would you listen to it again?	Absolutely
Story	Outstanding
Characters	Outstanding
Listenability	Once you start it, you won't be able to switch it off!
How does it compare to audio works by the same author?	Not applicable

Advantages:	Total immersion in plot, believe characters, excellent narrative
Disadvantages:	Only 490 pages  .  .  .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I bought this book a few weeks ago and I have read it cover to cover many times since. It has been a long time since I've found anything to challenge my favourite author preferences ...

This book immerses you in a fantasy world. The story is set in Old Malinawar, which is made up of 8 'Stabilities' surrounded by the Unstable. It has an interesting play on religion, where the world is made by the 'Maker' and challenged by the 'Unmaker' which could be translated as God and Satan. Anyway, we follow the life and loves of Keris Kaylen, a mapmaker's daughter, as she gets caught up in the struggle for survival and the fight against the Unmaker and his encroaching chaos.

The three main 'political' groups, so to speak, are those living in the Stabilities along with the Chantry (a religious order worshipping the Maker), the Unmaker and his Minions (people who have given the Unmaker their soul in return for immortality), and those led by Meldor i.e. the Unstablers, the tainted and the Unbound.

Keris rebels against the rigidness of Order and the Chantry and flees her home after the death of her father and the imminent death of her mother. Rather than be forced into marriage, she ends up in the company of Meldor and some 'pilgrims' who turn out to be Davron Storre, Scow, a Chantor, some ordinary people and a Minion. This is an interesting and dangerous mix of people for a 20 year old to deal with when she's never travelled the Unstable (chaos) or crossed a ley line (power).

It turns out that Davron Storre is hiding a dark secret which only Keris can help him with. It tests both their lives and their eventual love for each other.

Each of the minor characters adds an interesting twist to the story. I could mention the discovery of the Minion amidst the party, who worships the Unmaker and threatens havok and death. Or the 'tainting' of Quirk the Chameleon which leads to a new and unique role for him. Perhaps the mysterious background of Meldor, formerly a chantist holy Knighte called Edion. Or even the fabled city of Havenstar.

This book is genuinely compelling - you won't be able to put it down until you finish it.

The one thing that surprises me though ... This book is actually Glenda Noramly's first novel! If this is her first, I say, "Bring on the second!"

I would recommend this to anyone, from teens upwards.