Series Title: The Twelve Baronies (Book 1)
Author: Rachel Cotterill
Publish Date: December 25, 2014
About the Book (from Goodreads):
When a stranger tells her she's a mage, Ailith is intrigued but she's also afraid. Magic is heresy, and heresy means death under the Temple Law. Even literacy is suspect in a girl of her background, and her sister's impending wedding only serves as a reminder that she should be focusing on her future. Then a local priest asks her to rescue his son, and she starts to wonder if her talents could be a blessing, after all.
The Lord Baron of Watersmeet, Leofwin isn't accustomed to welcoming uninvited visitors. A commoner turning up at his gates should be no more than a minor footnote to his day, but something about Ailith catches his attention. Alchemy can be lonely work and an apprentice might be just what he needs.
As their lessons grow into shared experiments, Leofwin wonders if he might even trust her with his greatest challenge. But Ailith can't forget why she came to the castle.
The Lord Baron of Watersmeet, Leofwin isn't accustomed to welcoming uninvited visitors. A commoner turning up at his gates should be no more than a minor footnote to his day, but something about Ailith catches his attention. Alchemy can be lonely work and an apprentice might be just what he needs.
As their lessons grow into shared experiments, Leofwin wonders if he might even trust her with his greatest challenge. But Ailith can't forget why she came to the castle.
Review
I have always loved fantasy novels, but since I have become a Christian, it has been difficult to find fantasy novels that I enjoy. I view fantasy books that have magic and alchemy as just what they are: fiction. Although this book contains alchemy, the story line is amazing! The main character, Ailith, discovers that she is a mage and has a natural talent for alchemy. Ailith is asked to become the apprentice of the Lord Baron of Watersmeet in order to find out more about a kidnapping and whether the mage that was kidnapped is still alive.
I believe that the way that alchemy is used in this novel is very unique, but as I do not read many novels involving alchemy I am not very versed in the genre. In this novel, in order to use alchemy one must project their intentions into the object that he or she is working with. I found this aspect of the book very interesting and entertaining.
The dynamic relationships between the characters in Watersmeet is what initially drew me into the novel. Each character is unique and has their secrets which are revealed throughout the novel. The suspense of the character building is brilliant.
Like all great fantasy novels, Watersmeet includes a great deal of description but not an overabundance of description. The writing is just fantastic.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure.
Final Statements
Recommended Reading Age: Any
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