Today, Obscurists, we’re plunging into a magical fantasy world where one young woman must step-up to save her kingdom—prophecy or no prophecy. We’re discussing Farida Mestek’s “Highland Court Chronicles: Almendra’s Quest.”
***The Non-Spoiler part of this review***
What I love about this book:
I’m not giving away anything here that isn’t already in the sales copy synopsis on Kindle—but I like that the princess in this fairy tale with modern sensibilities isn’t content to just sit around and wait for her happily ever after. When Almendra is finally given a chance, she takes off from the enchanted castle on her own initiative to see what is wrong with the Prince, who the prophecy strongly suggests is supposed to be the one to save her. I like Almendra because she faces her problems head-on and accepts the consequences of her actions and shortcomings.
Mestek has a gift for whimsical locales that are typically equal parts charming as they are dangerous. While still at the enchanted castle early on, Mestek makes every place feel infused with magic, and even when the story moves to the Lowland kingdom, where magic is forbidden, magic still seems to slip in on every occasion.
I also liked the recurring lesson that decisions made in a moment of passion without forethought often have dire consequences, be that moment rage or panic. This sort of thing happens with protagonists and antagonists alike.
Also, as a sucker for dogs and really any cuddly-looking animal, I liked the animal companion aspect of this story that Almendra has with Woo.
What I don’t love about this book:
Speaking of Almendra and Woo, though, the nature of their relationship changes toward the end of the story in a way that would have pleased Ovid to no end. For me, though, my dog has seen me do many an unflattering thing, and now the idea that I might have to have a conversation with him one day about why I pick up so many objects off the ground with my feet—well, no thanks.
The shawlweavers as villains are certainly frightening enough, and motivation for power for its own sake is regrettably understandable, but that said, I don’t precisely get their bone-deep hatred for the high ladies. It’s the old they’re antagonistic because they’re antagonistic, self-fulfilling prophecy.
This isn’t much of a complaint, but still, I found myself enjoying a lot of the early scenes in this book where Almendra and her Granny would but heads. You don’t quite get that in any other form through the middle to the end of the book.
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Author’s Website: http://faridamestek.blogspot.com/
***The Spoiler part of this review***
***Ye be warned to turn back now***
The quick and dirty synopsis:
Our story begins with Almendra, her ever faithful wolf companion Woo, and her Granny going about their lives as the only inhabitants of an enchanted castle—waiting for a prophecy to be fulfilled. Almendra hates being idle, waiting for some prince to come to rescue her and her magical kingdom. Her Granny insists that their enemies, the shawlweavers, must have laid a terrible curse on the Upper Kingdom, which is why it is shrinking, and all the people have disappeared. And for all they know, if Almendra tries to leave, it might strike her down too, and as the last High Lady of the Upper Kingdom, she is too precious to risk.