Tuesday, May 6, 2014

The Wizard's Promise (Hanna Duology #1) by Cassandra Rose Clarke - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Angry Robot/Strange Chemistry on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*


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Title: The Wizard's Promise (Hanna Duology #1)

Author: Cassandra Rose Clarke
Cover Art: Sarah J. Coleman

Publication Date: May 6, 2014 (US/CAN) 

1 May 2014 (UK)

Ashley's Pre-Reading

Ashley's Review
My Pre-Reading

Cassandra's TOP TEN Wizards


Synopsis: All Hanna Euli wants is to become a proper witch – but unfortunately, she’s stuck as an apprentice to a grumpy fisherman. When their boat gets caught up in a mysterious storm and blown wildly off course, Hanna finds herself further away from home than she’s ever been before.


As she tries to get back, she learns there may be more to her apprentice master than she realized, especially when a mysterious, beautiful, and very non-human boy begins following her through the ocean, claiming that he needs Hanna’s help.




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Review: I really liked Cassandra Rose Clarke's other fantasy duology consisting of The Assassin's Curse and The Pirate's Wish. The world she created is full of interesting places and people. I love how the magic is such a mystery. In this first book in a new duology, magic is more at a forefront since the protagonist has some wind powers herself. I like the elemental nature of the magic and how complex it is. It's not a simple system. It's a system based on will and natural feel. It also uses many natural objects like bones and herbs. 

There are many allusions to the original duology, but it isn't necessary to have read it. The protagonist shares our favorite pirate princess's name, but goes by Hanna instead of Ananna. I liked all the references. Hanna shares little with Ananna other than her name. She isn't a pirate. Instead she is working as a fisherman's apprentice, guiding the winds to their advantage. Ananna unwillingly finds her way on an adventure away from home. 

I really enjoy an adventure on the high seas. Fantasy worlds that take place on island chairs are always so interesting. Clarke really did an excellent job world building, showing the differences in the different island cultures. I liked how common the people were. Royalty was only referenced. 

The Mists are such an interesting otherworldly force. I can't wait to see where Hanna's adventure takes her in defending her world. After this duology, I really hope Clarke continues writing in this world. It reminds me of the Avatar: The Last Airbender series and its sequel series, The Legend of Korra. 

I give this novel a 5/5 and highly recommend this series! The first duology gave me difficulties getting into at first with Ananna's unique vocabulary, but this whole series is definitely worth sticking with. 


--Paul

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