|
Uly has led a harsh life that revolves
around keeping starvation at bay, by stealing from the
unwary and on desperate occasions whoring. When Uly is
caught stealing from a Swithin noble and led to the palace
in chains – Uly fears the worst. However, what he gets is a
difficult choice of remaining, while agreeing to some
restrictions, in exchange for food and shelter or going back
to the hard streets. What seems like an easy choice for Uly,
in reality, is a life changing decision that alters Uly’s
future in unexpected ways…
Even the the Swithin Prince, Markis
Shavar, needs a break from the constant tensions of his
life. But when a solitary ramble into the city brings
Markis into contact with Uly, a street urchin attempting to
rob him, Marlis’ decision to take him back to the palace has
a ripple effect on his life. As the undeniable affection for
Uly changes Markis, Markis attempts to control and force
into submission the comet’s power that he possesses bring
him only pain and suffering, but as Markis begins to slowly
explore other ways to guide the power at his disposal, his
eyes are opened to a whole new universe and his place in
it. With the help of Ryanac, Markis’ best friend, and Uly’s
innocence, Markis will try to harness the power of the comet
to achieve peace – but will he destroy all those he loves
and the planet besides in his quest to avoid war?
The Swithin Chronicles 1: Uly’s Comet is an
amazingly intricate and fascinating fantasy book. It
involves intrigue, love, hate, passion and enough political
intrigue, involving fascinatingly flawed characters, to keep
you entertained and turning the pages. Uly is a vulnerable
young man that has been battered by a life filled with
hardship and depravation. Markis is a man trapped by birth
and talent into a position where his “power” isolate him
from all the softer emotions that smooth the hardness of
life. Ryanac is a man whose humor and cheerfulness help him
keep a balance in his role of protector, confidant and
friend to the Swithin Prince. The relationships between
these three men are very complex, but ultimately simple as
they all go back to the desire to love and to be loved in
return, unconditionally. Uly’s Comet clearly
demonstrates Ms. Bidwell’s talent to build an intricate
world and society for her characters to inhabit and evolve
in. While the emotional currents between Uly, Markis and
Ryanac are strong and engrossing the ultimate resolution to
the story is an unexpected surprise. However, the plot
during the first two thirds of the book is slow moving and
at times, filled with raw emotion and confusion. But the
latter third of the book moves so fast that it will leave
you trying to catch your breath – in more ways than one.
The Swithin Chronicles 1: Uly’s Comet is a great
fantasy tale that will leave you wanting for more! I look
forward to picking up the next book in the series. |
