SHADEBINDER'S OATH
ISBN: 1-896944-31-0
Jeanette Cottrell
Dragon Moon Press
fantasy
266 pages
4 goats
Denys is a king's man, a soldier, a no nonsense man. His brother Farren, is an apprenticed woodworker who sees and talks with the dead, those walking dead be they human or animal. Denys fears Farren will be branded a Shadebinder, who will be shunned by people. When Denys has to leave, he asks Farren to watch out for his beloved, Trissi, not realizing that Trissi is not so different from his brother Farren, as she, too, sees and converses with the shade goat, Caprio who playfully likes to create havoc. But Denys also knows that Trissi will in turn look out for Farren. Then there is the Princess Mericia, who believes she is cursed. Something dreadful happens to those she loves. Her mother, the queen, has been off her senses for some time, only working on a tapestry from morning to night, not even recognizing her own daughter. The people of this land are scheduled to participate in The Progress, sailing to another land (probably not unlike the English sailing for Ireland). The last Progress caused many to die or become maimed, but this was something that must be done. Will this Progress lead to more havoc for the people? Will Farren be outcast as a Shadebinder? Can Denys help his brother? Will a wrong be righted? These are questions the reader will find answers to in reading the story.
Jeanette Cottrell has created a fantasy world of strange and interesting beings, but if you don't like to read about gory things, this book is not for you. If you enjoy finding a new world, albeit an old world not unlike ancient England, France or Germany, you'll be fascinated by Ms Cottrell's work. There are dungeons, knights, cooks and carpenters, kings and queens as in any historical novel, but there are also the shades of the formerly living who wander the settlement, giving advice and talking to those few who can see them, as well as shades of animals and a dragon. Farren's Aunt Nan, a shade, stands by him and lends advice. Caprio, the goat shade, likes to mingle in humans' business, creating havoc or fun. Come along for the ride, you might enjoy it. If nothing else, SHADEBINDER'S OATH by Jeanette Cottrell is different, and sometimes, different is nice.
Jaye Dee Tyrack, Reviewer, Gotta Write Network
copyright Jaye Dee Tyrack and GWN
March 24, 2006
