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TITLE: Lichgates AUTHOR: S.M. Boyce PAGES: 362 FORMAT: Kindle ISBN: 978-1466336940 BUY IT: Amazon RATING: 5/5 [in the genre] or 8/10 [all books I’ve ever read] FOR: Fans of YA, clever and unique high fantasy, romance, solid characters, and epic plots. |
I decided to read Lichgates because the wonderful S.M. Boyce, one of my first Twitter friends, asked if I wanted to be a part of this blog tour. “Lichgates?” I said to myself. “Sounds pretty cool.” I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this. Boyce is a bright, friendly person and her book is a stupendous new step for YA high fantasy (which you may recall, I was mourning the death of ten or so blog posts back). Newsflash: YA high fantasy is alive and well, and it’s all right here in Lichgates. From the first chapter, I knew this was a keeper. Boyce throws you right into the action without any slow buildup, letting you figure out background details as you go along. Kara, her main character, is a realistic, bright girl with a kind heart and a good brain--but she’s far from perfect, so don’t go worrying about Mary Sue’s. Braeden is the perfect romantic foil. He has a good heart and good intentions, but he can’t quite let go of his own agenda. And guess what!? NO insta-romance! That’s right, folks. These characters meet each other and do not immediately fall in love. I almost did a jig of joy at my computer.
But you want an original high fantasy world, you say? Look no further! Boyce has created one of the most original fantasy worlds I’ve ever read. I’d be so bold as to say that the originality of her world could be put up there with my hero, Diana Wynne Jones. As soon as you dive into Ourea, you know this isn’t any medieval European knock-off. With Bloods who can psychically control their whole kingdom’s bloodline, soul stealers, shape-shifting muses, charcoal-skinned smoky Stelians, cobblestones that make faces, and dog-horses that walk through walls--it's not your average Tolkien knockoff. I admit a surge of jealousy as I got deeper into Ourea and realized how well-crafted it was!
And the plot? Don’t worry. Boyce keeps you on your toes. Sure, I could nitpick about a few slow bits or a few strange names here and there, but what’s the point? When it comes down to it, Boyce knows how to keep a reader enthralled. Right from the start she pulls you in, and never lets go. Something is always going on, and every time Kara’s life gets too quiet, something else happens to complicate it. Murder, court intrigue, magic, soul stealing, war--take your pick. Kara is such a sympathetic character that you must keep reading, just to know that she’s okay in the end.
So my advice? Pick up a copy of Lichgates and clear your calendar, because you won’t want to put it down. Lovely author, great plot, realistic characters, unique world--YA high fantasy is back, my friends, with a book and a bang.
Also see the sidebar for the giant Rafflecopter and enter to win!
Thanks so much for having me and for writing this review! I'm glad you enjoyed Lichgates :)
ReplyDeleteAny time! You're always welcome at Sarcasm and Lemons. (:
DeleteGreat review! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteGreat review. I have to agree that this isn't just some "Medieval Knock-off." Boyce created an original, unique, and action packed world with Ourea and the characters only add to my love of the world and book.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think so too. Ourea just feels like it's own place. She doesn't rely on old tropes, which is very cool and not easy to find.
DeleteGreat review! I look forward to reading the book.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope you enjoy it.
DeleteGreat review. I am reading it now. It's getting so GOOD. This is definitely not you average fantasy. I love the races and world that Boyce has built.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear! I'd love to hear what you think of it. It's just so darn original!
DeleteGreat review! I read the book in January and I still think about scenes from it. Can't wait for the second book!
ReplyDeleteMe either! There will definitely be a review up here when it comes out.
DeleteGreat review
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThanks for the awesome giveaway!! Would love to read who wouldn't want to jump into the pages of a book and go on an awesome adventure!!??!!
ReplyDeleteThanks go to the fabulous S.M. Boyce. Go ahead and read! It's fantabulous!
DeleteThanks for the great review and giveaway! I'm definitely going to have to read this now : )
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome! Hurrah, I've done my job. Don't forget to check out the giveaway!
DeleteGreat review! :) I couldn't agree with you more on this: "Boyce knows how to keep a reader enthralled."!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I know, isn't she great at pacing?
DeleteGreat review! can't wait to get my hands on Lichgates!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Definitely check it out!
DeleteLate to the party, but have to agree with you 100%. Ourea is completely original and I loved that there wasn't an instant romance between Kara and Braeden.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, it was spot on.