Mystic and Rider (Twelve Houses Series #1)

A totally enjoyable first book in an adventure/fantasy series. The unusual characters are well developed and have diverse and unusal life experiences and talents. In this book the characters get to know each other and form bonds of friendship and caring that continue throughout the rest of the series. Another favorite of mine is a later book in the series entitled Fortune and Fate that features an interesting and unusual heroine.

This is the first book in the series and the first of Sharon Shinn's that I ever read. Like a Tamora Pierce for adult (and older teen) readers, Shinn captivated me from the first. Her characters evolve, and I can't turn pages fast enough to find out what will happen. Bliss!

This is my 3rd reread of this series. I think Sharon Shinn is amazing and I love the worlds she creates and the people who live there.

Honestly, it seems silly to be writing this review now. This book, and the others of the Twelve Houses series claim a special spot on my bookshelf. I have read them to the point that I have already replaced them with digital versions for when my paperbacks disintegrate. I pick up this series, and this book in particular, every time I want something to read that I know I will enjoy. Sharon Shinn’s use of language to convey what she wishes to the reader is amazing. I’m awed by it every time I read these books. She has a masterful way with the concept of “show, don’t tell” that constantly plagues writers. This story is well-written and it seems like the characters move from one end of the country to the other without the constant travel seeming to get in the way. As a matter of fact, it adds to the story as it leads from one conflict to another. Since none of the characters seem to really trust each other, you even have the internal conflict of the main group to contend with. It’s fun to watch the change in Senneth and Tayse as they move through this story. Senneth was one to always remain alone, moving from place to place with no where to really call home, and no one to call true friends. This book is mainly her story, as each of the books in the Twelve Houses series is the story of the other characters in this motley group. I highly recommend this entire series. I have since gone on to read just about everything Sharon Shinn has written since I stumbled across this book in a bookstore. She has taken place as one of my favorite authors of all time. However, this series will always remain at the top of everything I’ve read by her. There’s just something about the depth and emotions of these characters that keeps dragging me back to read these books again and again.

This is one of my favourite fantasy books and series, although I love all her books. I highly recommend! When will these books be made into movies? Or better yet, a television series?

Love the book and the series. Could never get enough of the world created in them.

After looking for high fantasy series/authors that were new to me, I stumbled upon Sharon Shinn's Twelve Kingdom series through a short story anthology, "The Queen in Winter." The world she was able to build, seemingly effortlessly, was unique, believable,and utterly immersive. I HAD to find the books! Depth of characters, underlying themes, and excellent writing have characterized the entire series. After the initial series of 4 books, I had some trepidation approaching the 5th book. Some writers, once their initial saga is finished, seem to flounder in later installments. I should never have worried. I can only hope for more installments!

This is a the terrific start to a great series I've read from start to finish. Great character development and descriptive language, you can't help falling in love with it.