Lady of the Lakes
By J.C. Hall
Published by Wings
ePress
There's a particular kind of novel that, when you begin reading, you find
yourself lingering over each and every word as if the words are sips of fine
wine, or in my case, fine tea.
This is one such novel. Lady of the Lakes by J.C. Hall is
written in a lyrical voice that flows like the gentlest of rivers--with only a
hint of the raging rapids ahead. It's a literary voice, something that I've not
found very often in modern fantasy. It tells the story of Corryn, a young
Sandsman, and Jess, an unearthly knight-errant. From the start, this reader was
drawn into a finely-wrought story.
I have just one thing to say: I hope there's a sequel in the works!
This is a wonderfully written novel. The setting and world are lushly
described and well thought-out, and every character shines with an inner light.
There are no cardboard characters in this one, folks!
I love the mythology of this world. It seems far too rich to 'waste' on one
book, so again, I hope there's a sequel coming. And although this review is a
bit on the short side, that's because you really have to read this book to
appreciate it.
Keep an eye on this author! She's definitely one to watch.
--Jennifer, E-Book
Reader e-zine
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by J.C. Hall |
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The opening passage of this book is so moving I had a lump in
my throat, the words are so poetic and moving. J.C. Hall has an amazing way with words. The opening pages describe what
Corryn saw at the lake. It is the description that is breath taking and
awesome. I just wanted to read on. The characters come alive like a vision. The thread of the tale is alive
from the start and the reader is drawn into the fantasy world created by J.
C. Hall. Though this is a fantasy story, the plot is easy to follow and
very believable. The setting is very realistic and the reader can picture the
beauty of the land Corryn and Jess are travelling through. They encounter many dangers and interesting characters on the
way. They find it hard to know who to trust, the author displays this well,
as the characters she portrays are cunning and devious and appear friendly to
Jess. J C Hall has the skill to make her book wordy but never
boring; each passage adds to the story and it is the kind of book to get
thoroughly absorbed in. The fact that it is in e-book format does not
detract from the excitement of the plot and to not sample it because it is an
e-book means the reader would miss a very exciting and thoroughly enjoyable
book. I personally enjoy the e-book formula and know it isn’t to every
readers taste but if you enjoy fantasy or just like a good historical give
this book a try, you won’t be disappointed. The setting is so lyrical it is believable enough to imagine
you are reading a historical novel set in a time you had not been previously
aware of. J C Hall is an author to note, well worth looking out for. |
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Lady Of The Lakes
J. C. Hall
Fantasy romance
Available from Wings ePress
ISBN: 1-59088-245-8
October 2003
Corryn, late of the sands, was a simple serf, who for the past year had waited for the knight he had seen a year ago, fighting an evil being holding a child near Lake Silvermist. He had waited patiently and was not disappointed when the knight returned to battle once again for the child. He was ready, armed with his bow and arrows to help to fight with the knight. Though they never rescued the child, Corryn nursed the sorely injured knight back to health only to find it was a woman. He vowed to stay with her and help her in her quest.
In LADY OF THE LAKES, J. C. Hall pulls the reader into her magical world and takes us on an adventure of fantasy. The personalities of the diverse characters make the reader feel they are there, trying to right the wrongs of this world along with the heroine and her lad. For those that enjoy this genre, I would highly recommend this book. I for one will look forward to the next novel from this excellent author.
Overall rating: 4 Hearts
ensuality rating: Sweet
Reviewer: Mariah
February 3, 2004
Marketing Director
The Romance Studio
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J.C. Hall
Wings ePress 2003
ISBN 1590882458
On a fantasy world somewhere far from here, a young man rejected by his own people waits by an unhallowed lake named Silvermist for the return of a young lord bearing a silver sword. Corryn hopes to squire for one of the legendary sentinels he glimpsed on the lake the year before. When the lord returns, carrying a baby and battling an unholy priest, Corryn does his best to help, but the lord is wounded and the priest takes the baby and disappears.
Corryn assists the fallen knight, only to discover that is actually a she, and not willing to take him as a liegeman. Still Jess Lochlen, the Lady Of The Lakes, owes Corryn for his efforts and allows him to ride with her, promising to give him sword training in exchange. It isn't the bargain that Corryn wants, but he's rather used to that. He makes the best of the situation, even of the nasty-tempered horse he ends up riding.
Corryn discovers there is more to his lady than her silver sword. She is a noblewoman in her birth and in her honor. Ultimately Lady Jessama learns to appreciate Corryn as more than just a strong assistant. With her nephew stolen from her by the priest, she has to depend on her new companion to help her rescue him. The pair encounter many obstacles in their quest along the silver lakes and begin to care about each other as something other than simply liegeman and lady.
Well conceived and written, Lady Of The Lakes is a fantasy novel full of lively characters and a finely detailed use of magic. One of the best things is that there are limits to what Jess and her family can do and penalties for their abilities, which helps push and dramatize the action.
Corryn's opinions of the lady he hadn't anticipated following and is now bound to are particularly well done. He realizes that he loves her, and we ache with him knowing how hopeless it is. Jess tends to dismiss whatever she feels for Corryn as inappropriate although she can't help how comfortable she is with him.
This really is more of a fantasy novel than a romance since while a budding relationship grows between the pair it isn't really solidified in this book. I hope this is the first in a series of stories about this world and these characters as I really would like to see Corryn and Jess end up together.
--Janet Miller