Reviewed
by: ?wazithinkin
Genre:
Coming of Age/Fantasy
Approximate
word count: 85-90,000
words
Availability
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on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes &
Noble, or Smashwords store
Author:
“Jessica
Dall finished her first novel at the age of fifteen and has been
hooked on writing ever since. In the past few years, she has
published two novels, The
Copper Witch
and The
Porcelain Child,
along with a number of short stories that have appeared in both
magazines and anthologies.
In
college, Jessica interned at a publishing house, where her 'writing
hobby' slowly turned into a variety of writing careers. She currently
works as both as an editor and creative writing teacher in
Washington, DC.
When
not busy editing, writing, or teaching, Jessica enjoys crafting and
piano, and spending time with her friends and family. She can most
often be found at her home in Maryland with a notebook and her
much-loved, sometimes-neglected husband.”
To
learn more, check out her website.
Description:
“Palmer
Tash always follows the path of least resistance. He has an unusual
disability involving his hearing. But in theocratic Latysia, being
different isn’t a good thing, so he conceals his problem.
Brier
Chastain’s malady is even more debilitating, and she often must
take to her bed for long periods. Her days are spent in meaningless
pursuits as she awaits an arranged marriage.
When
Palmer and Brier are kidnapped on the same night, they meet and
discover that their so-called disabilities are actually budding
powers. They are the incarnations of Order and Chaos. With their
country on the brink of war, the two must step into their predestined
roles and learn to take control of their own destinies.”
Appraisal:
Setting
up a new world for a fantasy novel always takes time as well as
introducing the main characters. What I saw in Latysia, was an old
world setting much like earth. Palmer Tash was a ward of the church
after becoming an orphan during the last reclamation war. He is an
acolyte who is disillusioned with the church and is biding his time
until graduation from the university part of his education. The Seers
and Professors see a lot of potential in him. Tash is straight-laced
and disciplined, whereas Brier is from a privileged family living in
the palace. She spends her days getting drunk with friends, which
helps with the rotting smell that seems to plague her days.
I was
immediately drawn into the story, I seem to have an affinity for
creation myths and this one takes the reader to the beginning of
time. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Order and Chaos. Having been
thrown together Tash and Brier had to accept each other and learn to
cooperate to survive. Here it is easy to see an undercurrent of a
budding romance. Brier is betrothed to a man from home and Tash is
all about following the rules so there are obstacles to overcome.
Chaos is a powerful force and Brier seems to be coming to terms with
the power. I felt like Tash is having a few difficulties dealing with
his powers and got tired of his answer always being, ”I don’t
know.” I do understand free will can change the course of fate, so
perhaps there were too many branches to follow to determine the best
outcome? It will be interesting to watch him grow more into his
powers.
Raining
Embers is the first book
in the Order and Chaos
series.
Format/Typo
Issues:
I
found nothing of note with the formatting or proofing.
Rating:
**** Four Stars
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