The Ill-Made Mute (The Bitterbynde, Book 1)
by Cecilia Dart-Thornton
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Book Summary Information
Author: Cecilia Dart-ThorntonEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-04-01
ISBN: 0446610801
Number of pages: 576
Publisher: Aspect
Book Reviews of The Ill-Made Mute (The Bitterbynde, Book 1)
Book Review: Fantastic, rich, involving fantasy!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not generally a fantasy fan, mainly because so much of it is the same old hackneyed sword-and-sorcery stuff, but I was really impressed with this trilogy -- so much so that I'd like my own copies to put on the shelf next to my copies of Mordant's Need and The Hobbit. No kidding, I think that in terms of storytelling this author ranks up there with Tolkien.
The storytelling is very lush and descriptive and has a deeply familiar, poignant tang due to Dart-Thornton's use of timeless fairy-tale plot devices and lavish sprinkling of characters from Gaelic legend. Instead of having a chop-shop feel or becoming a parade of "guest stars" as this kind of thing can so easily do, it all blends seamlessly in. The effect that is achieved is a wonderful marriage of fresh, creative writing and time-honored archetype that works sparkling magic.
What most impressed me about Dart-Thornton's writing is that the plot kept unfolding and unfolding in myriad twists without ever once becoming too complicated, implausible or unneccessarily drawn-out. With every new turn the story took I was gripped more enthusiastically.
No, wait, maybe what most impressed me was the way Dart-Thornton achieves all this without ever once relying on the plot device of "helpless maiden". Imhrien is strong, courageous and intelligent and not only does she not need a prince to rescue her, she ends up saving several guys' bacon. And the men she befriends throughout the trilogy are men who respect her capabilities and admire them.
Anyway, the Bitterbynde Trilogy is one of those trilogies that you only get one chance to read for the first time. It was really a fantastic read and one I think every admirer of good fantasy should experience.
Summary of The Ill-Made Mute (The Bitterbynde, Book 1)
This first title in a new trilogy, set in a world of legendary creatures, introduces the least of the lowly--a mute, scarred foundling, unaware of who she is or why she is wandering the dangerous landscape. Fortunately, an old female servant takes her in and protects her. As she grows, she finds friends in this strange land, and together, they set out to find her name, her past, and her future.This first novel by Australian writer Cecilia Dart-Thornton begins the Bitterbynde series, the saga of a young woman's search for her past as well as her destiny. An orphaned refugee taken in as a servant of powerful Isse Tower, a prominent Relay Station in the world's communications network, the main character is a nameless, badly scarred mute with little hope for better--until he escapes by stowing away on a magical Windship and is befriended by cheerful Sianadh, a self-professed madman and adventurer. Sianadh gives his companion two precious gifts: a name, Imrhien, and the knowledge that he is really she, raised as a boy to protect her from even worse treatment. Together, the two journey into the deep green heart of a great forest, defeat the tricky magics of various eldritch wights, and discover a vast treasure that will change their lives forever. When Imrhien learns of Maeve One-Eye, a healer who may be able to repair her scars and restore her memory, the girl is determined to seek her out. On the dangerous trip west, Imrhien meets and falls in love with the Dainnan ranger Thorn, but doubts he could ever return her affections. While this novel doesn't stand well alone, readers who crave long and detailed journeys through fantastic lands filled with magical creatures will enjoy Imrhien's travels. Dart-Thornton's world takes many traditional elements of epic fantasy and manages to stir them into something charming and new. --Charlene Brusso
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