MJV's Books by Status
MJV's Reading Goals
MJV's Most Popular Reviews
I'm feeling inspired! That alone should tell you I really, really enjoyed this one.
Welcome to the review of Where Ottoman Fantasy Meets Romance and Actually Works!
Ever wished for a fantasy novel that doesn't feel like it was written by someone who thinks the whole world revolves around England (or the Western World)? Well, grab your coffee (or better yet, your Lebanese arak), because J.D. Evans has delivered exactly that in this delightful first instalment of the “Mages of the Wheel” series.
Let's start with the world-building, which is basically what would happen if the (pre-gunpowder) Ottoman Empire and magic had a beautiful baby. Evans sprinkles authentic Middle Eastern elements like a master chef seasoning a perfect kebab (yum!) — just enough to make it flavourful without overwhelming the dish. And hallelujah (or hallūyā), it's not another Western-centric fantasy!
The characters? Oh boy. Meet Naime, our Tamar Sultana, who's basically what you'd get if you combined a brilliant strategist with a woman trying to figure out life while running a nation (no pressure, right?). Then there's Makram, our brooding prince-mage with a reputation darker than Turkish coffee but a heart softer than labneh. And thank the heavens above, these are actual adults with adult problems, not teenagers saving the world while dealing with prom drama. (IMO, Young Adult Fantasy is mostly meh!).
Oh, supporting characters like Samira and Tareck were a great addition. (Can we have a short story with them, please?!)
The romance is chef's kiss — sophisticated, sensual, and refreshingly mature. Naime's journey from “I know the theory” to “oh, so THAT'S what all the fuss is about... give me more” is handled with extreme elegance and a bit of humor. It's like watching a historical romance tv show, but with magic and significantly fewer corsets. And hurrah for the beautiful outfits, from the beautiful silk embroideries to the dark and misterious clothes of the 6th House.
The only real letdown is our villain, Grand Vizier Behram Kadir, who's currently about as deep as a decorative Ottoman jar. Here's hoping he gets more layers in future books (though these will apparently focus on different characters — so, I'm looking at you, dear author, with both hope and suspicion).
Special mention goes to the heartbreaking portrayal of the Sultan's mental decline. Yes, I did need those tissues, thank you very much.
Would a glossary have been nice? Sure. Did I enjoy frantically Googling middle-eastern terms at midnight? Also yes.
Bottom line: If you're tired of the same old fantasy immature tropes and want something that feels as fresh as mint tea on a hot day in Istanbul, this book is your next must-read.
My rate: 4.75/5 magic carpets (that don't actually appear in the book, but you get the idea). Definitely a reread in the future (I'm already targeting revising it, via audiobook).
Regarding spice: 3.5/5. However, regarding sexiness (as in alluring sensations): 4.5/5.
Não acabei.
Escolhi este livro como minha primeira leitura no BiblioLED. O resumo pareceu-me interessante e o cenário português era apelativo.
RRRrrr. A vida é demasiado curta para leituras desinteressantes: não gostei da escrita (demasiado básica e mono-repetitiva), dos personagens e do enredo (pelo menos do que li).
A vida também é demasiado curta para perder tempo com a escrita de uma crítica quando alguém já fez outra com a qual de identifico. Leiam o que a adeselnaferreira escreveu — ela leu o livro todo e sabe do que fala.
Apesar disso, e porque não li mais que cinco capítulos, não deixo avaliação nominal.
Priestess by Kara Voorhees Reynolds is a very compelling standalone (for now?) fantasy novel that intertwines themes of self-discovery, love, and resilience. At its core, it follows Edie (aka Edith) Finch, a 38-year-old working-class woman whose life is upended when her city is invaded, and she and other women are taken captive. Posing as priestesses to survive, they are transported to the magical land of Tintar. The story delves into Edie's growth as she navigates her newfound powers, forms unbreakable bonds with her fellow captives, and confronts ancient mysteries and her self-doubts.
For me, what makes Priestess stand out is its refreshing departure from typical dystopian tropes and its MC maturity. I confess don't have much patience for the nowadays galore of teenage focused fantasy. It celebrates themes of chosen family through the deep friendships between Edie and other women like Helena, Maureen and Mischa. These relationships are beautifully written, offering a heartwarming portrayal of sisterhood and mutual support. Edie herself is a tenacious yet self-doubting protagonist whose maturity and intelligence make her relatable and inspiring. I got so attached to these characters that I think I'll need to revisit them often.
The romance between Edie and her (reluctant, but not so much) husband in the story is a slow-burn delight, balancing tenderness with authenticity. (In terms of spice, I'd rate it 3 in 5.) The story also embraces diverse representations of love, including LGBTQ+ relationships, which are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. In a time like now, with so many challenges... this was lovely to read.
The world-building is rich and immersive, with a thoughtful critique of oppressive religious practices woven into the plot—highlighting themes of freedom and resistance without overshadowing the personal journeys of the characters.
Oh — the villains in Priestess meet oh-so-satisfying ends that feel well-earned within the context of the story. Loved this!
The one notable critique is the book's need for better editing; some sentences are overly complex, which can disrupt the flow of reading.
Overall, Priestess is a great blend of fantasy, romance, and social commentary that leaves a lasting impression. Its mature characters and nuanced storytelling make it a standout in the genre. I'd rate it 4.75 (-0,25 for the needed editing).
