Mystic and Rider - Sharon Shinn

Mystic and Rider
Sharon Shinn
4 stars (out of 5)

Opposites attract, especially when those opposites are extreme.

Mystic and Rider, by Sharon Shinn, is a beautifully written tale of magic and rebellion with a strong underlying romance. Throughout the novel, the impending rebellion creates a perpetual tension, keeping the book moving at an energetic pace. The two main characters, who start out enemies, slowly develop affection and eventually love for each other. The contrast within this pair is elegant and sophisticated, lending the story a vibrancy which is seldom seen in a fantasy novel. Despite the beauty of this romance, Shinn refuses to let it overpower other elements of the novel. As a result, the book gains a larger audience, appealing to fantasy and romance lovers alike. Mystic and Rider is multi-dimensional story of love, friendship and rebellion. It displays a depth seldom seen in fantasy novels which will keep the reader enthralled from start to finish.

1. What do you think of the Romance between Senneth and Tayse?
2. Of the powers the characters have, which would you like to possess? Why?

The Chronicles of Faerie - O.R. Melling

The Chronicles of Faerie
O.R. Melling
3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

What we gain from the world around us depends on how we see it. Despite being aimed at younger readers, The Chronicles of Faerie by O.R. Melling, carries a message for readers of any age: the world is best viewed with the innocence of youth. Melling utilizes a simplistic style of writing which adds to the youthful feeling of the novel. The sporadic and often scattered storytelling gives the book a playful feeling, even as its characters encounter difficult situations in their own lives. The true genius of the novel, however, is the way Melling infuses her characters with an eternal youth, lending the entire story a life of it's own. The Chronicles of Faerie is full of enchantment, beauty, and wonder. It challenges the reader to see the magic which is all around us.


1. Of the three books contained within this novel, which one is your favorite? Why?
2. How does the cover art of this book relate to the style of the story?