Gift of Magic by Lynn Kurland – a Review
Just to get myself, and other’s who are interested in reading this series up to speed with Ms. Kurland’s phenomenal writing, world building, magic, and characters–I am mixing in content from a review I wrote for a previous installment for this review of Gift of Magic by Lynn Kurland
To begin, I must reiterate that Lynn Kurland has a phonetic style of pen that I have seen very rarely in literature, if ever. As a reader coming strictly from the Epic Fantasy genre, having never read romance until about 11 years ago, I can appreciate the beautiful love story woven within Kurland’s fantasy novels. Not sex, but the soul deep connection forming between a couple. Consisting of tangible emotion, and a blazing bond of two hearts. It is both endearing and sweet in its chasteness, but with no less strength, or intensity. Within this world of the Nine Kingdoms, born of Ms. Kurland’s very own, vividly bright imagination, this signature mix of lyrical ebb and flow, to that of the old world, “clean” romance—adds complete authenticity to the experience.
There is nothing I enjoy reading more, than a wholly original, character driven work of fantasy. These novels certainly are such, as well as being emotionally charged, brimming with the key elements of pulse pounding action, heartwarming romance, and laughing out loud humor. Rich with twisting threads of plot, that will keep you guessing with each page you turn, and incredible chemistry charging between main and secondary characters. In addition, the many different natures of magic that exists within this realm, is vastly intriguing, and a different spin to the other depictions I have read in this genre. Every nuance clicks into place perfectly, making the Nine Kingdom’s series one of those rare works in literature, that truly has something for any type of reader to enjoy.
In the previous installments, we learn that our hero Ruith has suffered terrible gut wrenching loss. Because of this, he buried the vast well of magic within him as deeply as he could, and created a new home, and identity for himself. This shift in destiny was all realized at the tender age of ten. We readers are shown the horrors this man has suffered through the platform of his nightmares. We are made aware of the shadows lurking within his blood line, and it is apparent that at some point in his brutal life, Ruith could have gone either direction, good or evil.
This fact is learned upon discovery that Ruith is not a simple swordsman masquerading as an ancient hermit sorcerer; living amongst the mountains. He is actually Prince Ruithneadh of Ceangail, the youngest son of Gair–who’s reign of terror labels, as the most notorious and evil black mage in the history of the Nine Kingdoms. Despite the darkness he believes lies within him, Ruith is unquestionably honorable, and has an immense sense of duty. He takes the task upon himself; of collecting his father’s scattered spells, and destroying them. An effort to prevent these dark entities from falling into the wrong hands, and casting the Nine Kingdoms into eternal darkness.
Since the journey began in Tapestry of Spells, Ruith has aided Sarah of Doire, in her quest to stop her brother’s nefarious ploy. Despite having never been shown kindness, warmth, or tenderness—our heroine has a compassionate, fiercely honorable, and selflessly giving nature. It is through Sarah’s point of view that the unique magic system of the Nine Kingdoms series comes to life. I was blown away by Kurland’s detailed descriptions of what spells “look like.” In example; readers can discern the beauty of Ruith’s magic, in contrast to the repugnant glimpses of some others–and this added a rare level of intrigue to the journey that was absent in the first trilogy. It is upon this discovery that Sarah can “see” spells, that she decides to return the favor granted to her. Helping Ruith find these terrible magic’s derived from a truly evil mind, so that they may be lain to rest forever. Both characters start out with their own sense of duty as the force which drives them….both characters continue on with the ulterior motive of simply wanting to remain close to the other.
As much as I utterly adored every novel of this fantastic series…Gift of Magic stood apart. Unlike the brilliant crescendo of Morgan and Miach’s journey, Ruith and Sarah’s journey began more slowly, gradually adding notes, until it was apparent something largely unexpected and profound was about to happen. Because of this slower build of action, the beginning of Gift of Magic had my heart pounding unlike any of the others. The highly anticipated meeting between Ruith and someone dear from his past (of whom had no inkling he was alive) was not how I imagined it would happen, but profound all the same. Likewise, where a reader could nearly predict how Princess of Swords would end, the ending of Gift of Magic had me reeling in surprise. It was this ending specifically, more than any others; that Ms. Kurland’s imagination blew me away.
Both completed trilogies of the Nine Kingdoms series end on a high note, and leave readers completely satisfied with the outcome…but it is the third trilogy that we see a beloved secondary character step into the spotlight. I cannot wait to see where Lynn Kurland transports us next within her newest release DreamSpinner.
ORDER LINKS: The Book Depository KOBO/ Barnes and Noble / Amazon
Reviewed by Miranda
Wow, this was a fantastic review, Miranda. Everything you expressed totally came from your heart. This is a great series, though I am still behind. But I will catch up soon. Well done.
Great review Miranda… loved this series, though I still have a couple books in my tbr pile. They are on my next to read category after the two I am reading… 🙁 But this series has memories for me. Great job.
Terrific review, Miranda. I have to check my books, I think I read the first two books a long time ago. After reading your review, I have to go back to this series. Have no idea why I didn’t continue, as I do remember enjoying it.
Great review Miranda!! I’ll have to check these out!!
Great review Miranda. This really is a series I need to check out. I know it’s one I will love being a fan of the fantasy genre as well. Plus, you just have a way of expressing yourself so well in your reviews that you pretty much bring the story to life for me. I’m definitely checking this one out. Could be a good way to spend a vacation. 😉
Thank you so much for the compliments ladies. I am glad my utter love of this series shines through. I shouldnt have been so surprised by how amazing they are, considering readers who do not typically enjoy this genre, really took to these books. Reviews stating such, were the deciding factor in my decision to buy the Nine Kingdoms series, even though Lynn Kurland was unknown to me. If non fantasy readers were enjoying them, I figured it was a no brainer for a long time fantasy buff like myself.
Romantic fantasy is my most beloved genre…I am always searching for this type of literature. Sadly, not enough authors write within it. Despite always having my eyes peeled for the like, I somehow did not discover these books until early 2011. I was an instant fan within the first chapter of Star of the Morning. I am so enamored with Kurland’s writing style in this series that I plan on buying and reading all of her books. But all who know me, will not be surprised that her trips to the Fantasy genre are my favorites.
I highly recommend them to anyone. Lynn Kurland is in my top 5 favorite authors with this series alone. 🙂
Beautiful review Miranda….I can tell you really love this series and author.
Thanks Sandy. I had so much fun revisiting this world, and have much thanks to TRC for allowing me to participate in an author and series I love so dearly. There are so many fascinating, and complex secondary characters I hope this series continues long after the third trilogy is complete.
I read someone on another reviewing site, who will remain nameless *cough* mention that their understanding was that Kurland would only be writing 9 novels in this series. However, Kurland mentions on her website that she will continue to write in this world as long as people keep buying them, so that is music to my ears. 🙂
I have read some ‘fascinating’ facts as well on other sites….glad to know Kurland will be continuing this series!
Wow you must have really liked this series Miranda with all that you written about it. Great review!
Great review Miranda! Your passion & enthusiasm for these books and author is catchy.