Myrren's Gift

by Fiona McIntosh

Book Overview

Destined by blood to command the Morgravian army, Wyl Thirsk assumes his awesome responsibility while barely a teenager when his father meets an early death -- a duty that calls him to the royal palace of Stoneheart and into the company of the crown prince Celimus. Already a spiteful and cruel despot who delights in the suffering of others, Celimus forces his virtuous new general to bear witness to his depraved "entertainments." But a kindness to...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060747560
• ISBN13: 9780060747565
• Release Date: March 2005
• Publisher: Harper Voyager
• Length: 562 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Myrren's Gift...A winner!

This is a top notch fantasy/adventure. I must admit the beginning was a little slow to get going, but once into this novel, I found it hard to put down. Some of the reviews on the covers described it as a real pager turner and I'd have to agree. It was one of those books that I really looked forward to getting a few minutes to read a few more pages. The novel has all the ingredients for an intriguing fantasy story; there is magic, betrayal, love, unspeakable cruelty, true kindness and friendship and some unexpected sudden changes in circumstance; . (in some ways reminded me of George Martin's "Fire and Ice" series). You will find that Myrren's "gift" adds a definite twist in the genre of average fantasy tales. One of the other reviewers mentioned that the writing quality was not great, and, to a certain degree, this may be true, but the story itself is so interesting, you become deeply immersed in it before you realize what's happening. I felt the quality of the book and story telling improved as the novel progressed and at the end I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I neared the riveting conclusion of this book. All in all, good fantasy reading; I'm looking forward to Book II

A refreshing breath of air in a stale genre

Fiona McIntosh is making a name for herself in Australia, where all three volumes of "The Quickening" already have been released. This first volume, MYRREN'S GIFT, which recently hit shelves here in the U.S., is a stunning stateside debut that will keep you proclaiming "just one more chapter." Fergys Thirsk is the revered general of the army of Morgravia, the sworn enemy of Briavel. The friendship between Fergys and his king, Magnus, is as close as anyone could ever dream. When Fergys is mortally wounded, Magnus promises to raise young Wyl Thirsk with a twofold purpose: that Wyl will be properly prepared to take over as general of the Morgravian army, and that Wyl will form a similarly close bond with the future king, Prince Celimus. Where Wyl is reserved, quiet and thoughtful, Celimus is equal parts boastful, dashing and spiteful. To the dismay of King Magnus, he knows that no such friendship will occur. In a show of great respect, Wyl vows that although he personally detests the future ruler, he will, in all ways, remain loyal. Celimus, however, has other plans. He seeks war with Briavel, a forced marriage with Princess Valentyna whereby he will control all of the land south of the mountains, and he seeks to have Wyl killed. In an effort to demean his general, he forces Wyl to witness the torture and killing of Myrren, who has been accused of being a witch. Wyl, ever the chivalrous knight, seeks to ease her suffering and as Myrren is about to be burned at the stake, she grants her "gift" to Wyl: a great power to overcome death and seek justice. What follows is nothing short of astonishing. McIntosh weaves a captivating web of action, escapes, and intrigue from which you cannot break free, and she hurls you forward with great skill and clarity. What is great about this work is the completeness of the characters. Each of them seems to have full life, and their thoughts and actions on the page feel, ultimately, real and genuine. You are with Wyl as he endures the brutality and murderous bloodlust of Celimus just as much as you are when he weeps as he is held by Valentyna. Wyl is a true hero, living by his sense of duty and his desire for the right to be right and the wrong to be punished. Celimus is everything you can wish for in revulsion. Though physically alluring, his soul, if he actually has one, is black and nothing short of evil. You know him to be a savage and heartless man and yet you still are taken aback as his plans begin to unfold. And those plans feel more sinister when he undertakes them with such joyousness. There is a cast of assorted characters, including Valentyna, the young princess who must quickly grow into a woman, as she is thrust into the role of the sovereign before her time. She is a character who grows in strength as the story progresses, and as a reader you fear that Celimus will overtake her at every turn. Though young, she is not without skill, and her companions aid her along the way as they seek to save Bria

Excellent Fantasy

This book is about the best fantasy novel I've read in a long time. It's a great new twist in a genre that is filled with hackneyed story lines. The characters are wonderfully and completely developed. Just make sure you don't start reading this book when you have something else to do such as sleep; all I wanted to do was keep reading to find out what happens next! The second book, Blood and Memory is also great and completely lives up to the first book.

It's about time!

The Lands of Fantasy are full of rare and wondrous creatures...and another one has just been discovered. What makes Fiona McIntosh such a rarity is that she's a storyteller first, and an author second. This is not to say that she lacks anything in style or technique or knowledge of her craft, but what makes you keep turning the pages, (and believe me, you do,) what forces you to have just one more cup of coffee and stay up for just one more hour, (and believe me, you will,) is that she quite simply tells what used to be described as 'ripping good yarns'. A unique and addictive blend of Yin & Yang, Venus & Mars, Romance & The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, there's enough blood, violence and general mayhem in her stories to keep even the most desperate action-junkies sated...yet...there's an authentic tasting depth to the relationships between her characters that is probably long overdue in the genre. Reality has come to Fantasy...and that's definitely long overdue. If Fiona ever read "The Rules and Regulations concerning the writing of High Epic Fantasy", she pays it scant respect. (She's probably using it to prop open a door someplace.) You will not foresee where her stories are going, and as for predicting the endings...Forgetaboutit ! She's brave, unpredictable and she takes chances, and, she is immensely satisfying. Do you remember when you first started reading Fantasy? How everything was new and fresh and exciting? Well, prepare to be delighted all over again. Her work is lean and mean and surprising and shocking. So, brew a BIG pot...for there are few rest stops on the paths down which Fiona McIntosh will take you.

Bravo! Great Book!!

Fiona McIntosh crafts an amazing world filed with exciting characters, brave heroes, sadistic villains, captures, escapes, double-crosses, love, betrayal, and even death. This is one of the best fantasy novels I've ever read. What a pure joy to read. Mrs. McIntosh's style and obvious skill draw the reader in and make the story come to life. Myrren's Gift is book one of The Quickening trilogy and I am eager for the next two books! Myrren's Gift is a wonderful, detailed story that any fantasy fan will find worth the time. Bravo Mrs. McIntosh!!