The Ruins of Ambrai (Exiles, Vol. 1)
by Melanie Rawn

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Book Reviews of The Ruins of Ambrai (Exiles, Vol. 1)

Book Review: Everything you ever wanted
Summary: 5 Stars

Another thing I hope for is a richly detailed world. Lenfell comes alive with its distinctive magic system, its history and its customs. The arrangement of Bloods and Tiers and the role of Mages are all well thought out and believable.

But most importantly, when I begin a fantasy book, I want characters that I will love and enemies who are flesh-and-blood, and I want the relationships to be deep and fully developed. In this Rawn delivers, and then some. Glenin's evolution from a scared young girl to a powerful Malerrisi is brilliantly charted; Sarra and Cailet both have brilliantly drawn personalities and ample reserves of strength; Auvry Feiran's treachery is a shadow over a man who otherwise seems in every way likable. Alin and Val are unforgettable, and Collan is simply one of the best male characters in fantasy. His relationship with Sarra is developed so beautifully and without any cheap voyeurism, that for once we are given a glimpse of the real thing, elusive as it is: true love.

The drama which plays itself out from the luxurious Ryka Court to the desolation of the Octagon Court and the terrors of the road is gripping in the extreme, with never a dull moment. And yet, this does not mean there is constant battle as in most fantasy. The action is primarily character-driven: this makes for a read that is emotionally charged and deeply moving.

My complaints? Well, I, personally, thought the female-dominated society was unrealistic. While the story behind it was interesting, Rawn did not fully explain why Lenfell did not evolve the way all other societies do: with survival of the fittest. Men have been dominating society because before technology, their physical strength gave them power over women. It is unclear why Lenfell should be any different.

I also did not appreciate the tasteless bower custom, as well as other sexual references which seemed equally tasteless. However, to her credit, Rawn does not indulge in gratutitous explicit sex.

These flaws are not enough for me to give this book a lower rating, because it was otherwise so wonderful. I have never read any other books by Melanie Rawn, and do not plan to, as from what I have heard they are far different from this. I would recommend this to anyone who loves an intricate plot with incredible characters, regardless of their opinion of Rawn's earlier works.

Now I am just hoping someone else will write a fantasy as great as this.

Summary of The Ruins of Ambrai (Exiles, Vol. 1)

"I am mad (petulant, in fact!) that I can't immediately read book number two in the Exiles trilogy.... Melanie Rawn has established beyond doubt that she is a great writer of fantasy and The Ruins of Ambrai will join the Dragon series in my library of favorites for years to come." --Realms of Fantasy

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