S.A. Rule

The Cloak of Magic is an entertaining story set in a world of where ‘paradise’ is swept up into the power struggles of a decadent empire against a surprisingly intractable rebellion. Not a bad setting as far as such goes; however, the author’s attempt to paint this primitive agrarian society into the epitome of spirituality quickly begins to grate under the repetition. To be fair, I generally don’t find utopias all that interesting, so the perpetual reminders of how perfect this society was simply made it more difficult for me to identify with the people in the story … they just weren’t ‘real.’ Kierce was the only character I felt had much depth at all. It was through him that the author presents the best part of the story. The most intriguing concept was that of the Lord High Magician, who appears to be the focal point of the sustaining spirit of this otherwise ‘godless’ land. Unfortunately his uniqueness is overshadowed by the author’s attempt to portray the religious fanaticism driving the imperial forces (and with whom they find themselves allied with) as diametrically evil against purity of the ‘Holy Land.’ Here is where the story began to break down for me; I continually had the feeling that I was being preached at while the author tried to emphasize the moral superiority of the one society over the other. It seemed to me that the religion of the empire was a proxy for religion (external to the story) in general and that author was engaging in a little minor axe grinding.

Lest I give the wrong impression completely, I want to restate my opinion that this was a good story. The interplay between the main characters was well done and frequently humorous; in fact, I would have liked more of it (the story pacing was a tad quick). I was especially interested in the imperial commander … who seems posed to make an even greater contribution to the storyline in the future. Even the political intrigue was complex enough to be fairly enjoyable, as well as reasonably plausible. Of course, what sets this story apart from most is the magic; while not well explained, magic appears to be mostly illusion and slight of hand, with the possible exception of the Lord High Magician’s sympathetic connection to spirit of life within his realm. Perhaps this will change as Kierce grows into his power … but I hope not.… (plus d'informations)

Very well written, but a bit too realistic for me. The first quarter of the book was a bit bewildering & very depressing. Slowly, the people drag themselves out of the hole they'd dug in the first book. There are some very wild, but logical twists to the end.

It follows along in the vein set by the first book & really should be read in order. While each book could stand alone, details from the first one, which Sue does not bore the reader with, are needed to really appreciate the situation & understand the complex cultures she's created.… (plus d'informations)

I'm so tickled that I joined GR, met Sue & got to read this book. It is excellent. The first of a trilogy, it starts off with a simple, pastoral world & people that develop as they're pushed into an empire's problems & politics. The characterization is very well done. Traits & flaws are logically developed into twists that sucked me in to a very long lunch hour. I HAD TO FINISH THE BOOK!!! Do not plan on doing anything else when you get about 3/4 of the way through. You may be able to break away, but it is painful. Not that the first part wasn't good, but the last part just grabbed me & ran.The second book is due out next month & I can't wait! I've been reading fantasy since I was first reading & it's hard to find a new world & book that is engaging. This is one of the few.… (plus d'informations)

Very well written, but a bit too realistic for me. The first quarter of the book was a bit bewildering & very depressing. Slowly, the people drag themselves out of the hole they'd dug in the first book. There are some very wild, but logical twists to the end.It follows along in the vein set by the first book & really should be read in order. While each book could stand alone, details from the first one, which Sue does not bore the reader with, are needed to really appreciate the situation & understand the complex cultures she's created.… (plus d'informations)