Lord of Snow and Shadows: Book One of The Tears of Artamon [Hardcover]

 

 

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The first book in the Tears of Artamon trilogy is definitely worth reading. Sarash Ash handles well the large cast, the numerous layers of politcal intruige, and weaves a deep and fascinating story without getting too bogged down in details. I've seen some authors try to write political intruige and have their book come off as dull and dry, and I'm happy to report that this is far from the case in Lord of Snow and Shadows.

Ash's style is tight, with no words wasted or left out. In addition to this trilogy, she's written a few other books which I'm going to have to track down, since her style and storytelling ability alone will be enough to keep me coming back to her novels, even if at some point the story itself happens to be less than thrilling.

I loved the fact that Ash took inspiration from Europe's history, cultures,and various aspects of mythology in her worldbuilding. The world is familiar and yet entirely new. The mix of magic and technology, the overlap, and various views held by different people in different cultures was also a treat to see, because the way she wrote even conflicting opinions was as if both sides were right. Some authors will try to pull this off by having magic be primitive and technology be vital, or by technology being overbearing and magic being the best way. While each character has their own opinion on sciences and magics in Lord of Snow and Shadows, the narrative voice offers no bias one way or the other, and we see the opinions purely through the eyes of the characters.

My only comnplaints in regards to this novel are trivial and subjective, such as the fact that I found it hard to think of Kiukiu as an adult, or at least very close to one. The childish nickname of "Kiukiu", plus the fact people treated her as though she were a juvenile in the early stages of the book, constantly left me with the impression that she was prepubescent, which made some later scenes in the book just seem odd. I occasionally had to take a step back from the story to remind myself that no, she's not a little child no matter what my preconceptions were.

But again, that's a subjective complaint. Other people may not have the same reaction.

I did, however, adore the relationship between Eugene and Jaromir, or rather the lack of a relationship that made me want to yell at the two of them to just get a room already! The relationship between then was technically that of mentor and ward, but they both acted as though it had long ago toppled over into something much more intimate. Eugene calling him "my Jaro" and embracing him, the way Jaromir was constantly on Eugene's thoughts, and the way it seemed to him that all colour left the world when he believed Jaromir to be dead seemed a lot like Eugene felt something beyond a mentor's affection and an interest in seeing Jaromir rule Azhkendir.

Really, I cheered for Eugene and Jaromir to get together more than I cheered for Gavril and Astasia, or Gavril and Kiukiu.

I can't imagine myself disliking the rest of the series after such a promising start and an intruiging cliffhanger at the end, and as I said earlier, I'll probably read more of Ash's novels for the style alone even if the story isn't too great. I'm loving what I've seen of this series so far, and can't wait to start the second book.

I LOVED this book, and the entire series. I thought the detail and description was intense and the storyline thoughtful and expansive. Although the overall mood of the story seemed a little bit dark and depressed, the romance, and the transformations in the book made the mood seem less so....
I would recomend this to readers who enjoy not-so fantasy, or not way over the top fantasy. If you read the first book and like it I highly suggest that you read the next two in the trilogy!!!!!

I was looking for something new in a good fantasy book, and stumbled across this title from an author I had never heard of. The reviews were good, and the description sounded unique, so i dove in.

I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. The writing is well-paced. The characters are deep, beleivable, and all too human in their capacity for error in spite of great power. There seems to be a tremendous potential in the way of backstory and world detail so that Sarah Ash should be able to continue this series and expand upon it to keep fans like me happy.

I look forward to the sequels.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Fantasy
Ok before you judge this review as lame as the title let me point out reviewing fantasy is not my forte. Read more

Published on July 5 2004 by paul mason

3.0 out of 5 stars Kind of interesting but a big yawner in the end
Why You Should Read This

Sarah Ash has a small but devoted fan base. They will read this book with relish and clamor for more. Read more

Published on Jun 5 2004 by Inchoatus.com

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't stop reading!
I bought this book because I was in the bookstore looking for a new novel to read and noticed the beautiful artwork on the cover and became intrigued. Read more

Published on Jan 21 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite book!!!
I dont know how anybody could write a better book then this-it had it all--wonderful characters-action-suspense-mystery and a complex storyline that has a brooding war with lots... Read more

Published on Jan 17 2004

3.0 out of 5 stars Heavy on plot, Light on character development
Gavril Andar is a talented painter who learns that he is really the heir to a kingdom in a mysterious northern realm known as Azkendir. Read more

Published on Jan 16 2004 by T. M. Wheaton

5.0 out of 5 stars A Surprise Hit!
I saw this book in a local bookstore and was attracted to the beautiful cover art. This book was a pleasant surprise, far exceeding my expectations. Read more

Published on Dec 28 2003

5.0 out of 5 stars Something new and exciting in fantasy!
This book was a very pleasant surprise. It was a very quick read with lots of suspense and action. The characters, nations, and lands all are exciting and diverse. Read more

Published on Dec 16 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars Had the potiential to be so much better!
Overall, this book was OKAY....I liked the plot idea, but as another reader put it, the characters were somewhat shallow. Read more

Published on Nov 24 2003 by Kristina L. Thompson

5.0 out of 5 stars Glad I read it!
This was honestly the best book I've read since Terry Brooks' Voyage of Jerle Shanarrah trio. I could not put it down. Read more

Published on Oct 31 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars A book of transformation, discovery and destruction
This is the first book in a series called The Tears of Artamon and as such introduces us to the characters of this Russian inspired world and sets the stage for the conflict in... Read more

Published on Oct 11 2003 by K. Maxwell

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