Review: Pale Queen's Courtyard

Pale Queen's Courtyard is Marcin Wrona's take on mythology. According to the wonderful note at the end of the book, he used several sources, many of which I recognized once he had pointed them out (I never did very good in mythology in school). This is the first of many expected books in a series based around Ekka, the main land involved.

Brief Summary: Pale Queen's Courtyard follows two main characters. The first is Leonine, a musician and thief who also happens to be a sorcerer in a land where sorcery will earn you a painfully hot death. Kamvar is a soldier who has dedicated himself to the faith and bringing those sorcerers to their end. When a high priest's young daughter is revealed to be a sorceress, both men will be taken on journeys they did not expect and have their beliefs tested before the end.

Why You Should Read This: This book took me a long time to read, but that was no fault of the story. Wrona has a talent for bringing unknown lands to life and if I'd had the time to be hooked, I would have been. Leonine is the perfect antihero--unwilling, unwanted, but needed despite his best efforts to avoid the responsibilities foisted upon him. Kamvar is easy to relate to in his love for family and faith. Ilasin, the young girl in question, is just as enjoyable and her relationship with the thief is inspiring. My only regret about reading this book is I wish I would have read it a few months from now when I have more time. I will likely go back and re-read it so I can get the full effect.

Rating: ☻☻☻☻☻