Tapestry of Spells Review by Miranda H

Tapestry of Spells review is more a culmination of my own personal navigation through the Nine Kingdoms series so far, rather than that of the novel Tapestry of Spells in general. That being said, I became an instant fan of Lynn Kurland upon discovering the first trilogy in this series a few months ago. Being a long time lover of the Fantasy genre, I picked up the works; Star of the Morning, Mage’s Daughter, and Princess of Swords to add to my repitoire. I typically do extensive research before spending hard earned money on an author previously unknown to me. Yet I purchased these three books on a whim, because in every review I had seen, readers who had been unable to engage in any fantasy novel…loved them. I theorized that a fantasy buff like myself would have no problem connecting…how right I was.

Lynn Kurland has a phonetic style of pen that I have seen very rarely in literature, if ever. The beautiful love story woven within her novels, is just that. A love story. Not sex, but the soul deep connection forming between her couples. 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, laughing out loud humor, and a plot that will keep you guessing with each page you turn. 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. The Nine Kingdom’s series truly has something for any type of reader to enjoy, and I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys the tenderness of romance, mixed with a healthy amount of backbone.

Upon completion of Miach, and Morgan’s journey, I found myself procrastinating in beginning the second trilogy of this series. There was not a single thing I disliked about the first three books. They were sheer literary perfection for me (albeit too short). I wondered what more there was for Kurland to offer, I wondered how I could possibly move on to the next couple, after becoming so emotionally invested with The Arch-mage of Tor Neroche, and the far from simple Shield-maiden.

Thus, one can imagine my utter shock, to find myself completely taken with the characters of Ruith and Sarah. I found myself loving the introduction of their harrowing journey in the novel Tapestry of Spells—even more than I loved Star of The Morning. The differences between the two male leads of the series; was not sharp, or glaring, yet were palpable all the same. Where Miach was certainly dangerous, and terrifying in all the power he wielded, my perception of him was one of goodness and light. While understanding he was capable of darkness, I truly felt that he was one of those rare hero’s in fiction that were pure of heart, and beyond corruption. Ruith is a hero built upon the opposite side of the card.

Ruith is unquestionably honorable, and has an immense sense of duty…this is what compels him to help Sarah of Doire in her quest when she appears on his doorstep. Yet 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 nuance gives him that tortured hero feel. These contrasts provide a darker, edgier mood within the second trilogy when in comparison to the first—which in my perception was made up of magic, whimsy, and the wondrous discovery of self. I very much appreciated that both Miach, and Ruith are multidimensional characters, and fleshed out in their complexities. I always find it interesting that as a reader I can love both types of hero’s equally, when an author does it right.

Kurland is also very clever in the construction of her two female leads. Morgan is not a damsel in distress, by any stretch of the imagination. Orphaned as a child, with no memory of where she came from, she grows into womanhood within the all male equivalent of a training academy. Later she becomes a mercenary trained by the notorious master swordsman Scrimgyour Weger. Any who gaze upon the tiny brand in the shape of a sword above her brow, would think twice before engaging with Morgan in swordplay. She is rough around the edges, unpolished, and irreverent…yet in no way, a harping, bitter hag, that a reader cannot relate too. She has a warrior’s heart, and soul filled with light. Morgan’s character is transformed completely by the end of the first trilogy, more so than many heroine’s I have read about in literature. Despite this, Kurland is somehow able to retain the essence of the woman we were first were introduced.

Sarah of Doire, by all appearances is the polar opposite of Morgan. She is a true damsel in distress…without being a damsel, if that makes sense. She is the non-magical daughter of a village witch. Her brother is a blubbering villain true, but has tormented his sister at any given opportunity, throughout childhood. Sarah has lacked a means of escape from the darkness of her existence. Despite having never been shown kindness, warmth, or tenderness—she has a compassionate, fiercely honorable, and selflessly giving nature. It becomes clear rather quickly that Sarah is no wilting flower……I would liken her more to tempered steel. Somehow Sarah has an innate sense of what is right, and what is wrong. So when she discovers her brother’s plan to destroy all of the Nine Kingdoms, she sets out to foil his nefarious ploy.

Kurland showcases her talent by interweaving the plot of the first trilogy, into the first installment of the second—choosing to have them occur simultaneously. The effect is superbly accomplished in my opinion, and it is an interesting facet to read the nearly subliminal references to the happenstance of the first trilogy. So far, this series has been a fast paced, and wonderful read since the very first word. I look anxiously forward to continuing this journey, and discovering what lies ahead for Miach, Morgan, Ruith and Sarah in the next installment; Spell Weaver.

Miranda