World Famous Comics: The Oracle's Queen (Tamir Trilogy, Book 3)
The Oracle's Queen (Tamir Trilogy, Book 3)
By: Lynn Flewelling Publisher: Spectra Average Rating: Binding: Mass Market Paperback Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 576 Publication Date: June 27, 2006 Release Date: June 27, 2006 Studio: Spectra
Product Description: Under the rule of a usurper king, the realm of Skala has suffered famine, plague, and invasion. But now the time for the rightful heir has come, a return to the tradition of warrior queens. And the Lightbearer’s prophecy is to be upheld at last: so long as a daughter of the royal line defends and rules, Skala will never be subjugated.
Now a mystical fire has burned away the male body known as Prince Tobin, revealing Princess Tamír, a girl on the verge of womanhood–and a queen ready to claim her birthright after a life in disguise under the protection of wizards and witches. But will her people, her army–and the friends she was forced to deceive–accept her? Worse, will the crown’s rival heir, friend to Tobin, turn foe to Tamír, igniting civil war in a fierce battle for Skala?
An enjoyable read ^ Thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. Took me back to the beginning of my reading experiences as a kid when all I read was fantasy!
Oracle's Queen ^ I wept at the end of this book. I so rarely find a book or indeed, a series that makes me want more,but this one did. I read all three books in one weekend and was heartbroken to find that it really ends here. Too bad,I would have bought more!
Dark fantasy becomes Cinderella story ^ This book was enjoyable enough on its own, but was a very dramatic departure from the rest of the series.
I absolutely adored the first book and have recommended it to friends and family. The mood/feel of this book is pretty much the opposite of the first.
Oracle's Queen essentially does away with the darker aspects of the storyline. There are no questionable or outright evil actions taken that the characters aren't *forced* into doing (meaning, the question of morality/ends justifying the means is COMPLETELY gone). I can't really go into more detail without spoilers, so here goes:
***** SPOILERS *****
1. Arkoniel, where art thou? Our wizard buddy was a major reason for the charm of the first book, and it's sad to see him relegated to "cast pretty spells in the background and show up to be nice to people on occasion" status. His relationship with Tamir was barely even explored, only mentioned briefly in side notes.
2. Anticlimactic battles. You can't say that evil barbarians are attacking from across the sea, ones who will never retreat and are fearsome warriors, and then shrug it off with a few spells and a stern speaking-to (throwing the "no retreat" bit out of the window). No one cares if [insert likable character] charges an army more than twice the size of their own, if they are ALWAYS going to come out safe on the other side. You can't build up to an epic civil war if the only causalities are going to be people who had to die (Korin), the bad guys (killed by those who hated them most, of course!), and hordes of nameless nobodies. It cheapens the victory.
Besides that, *everyone* important or likable lives happily ever after. Only one squire - who had a one-line introduction - bites the dust, not a single lord that Tamir likes gets more than a scratch, and the likable characters who were *on the other side* come out fine and dandy with absolutely perfect situations to be placed in. Even Iya escapes brother's "I have to kill her or else I'll never be free" wrath.
3. Ki and Tamir. I may be alone in this, but I find it profoundly disturbing that these two ended up together. Tamir had a crush on him when she was a preteen boy, and somehow THAT developed into a corny "I'll love you forever and ever" relationship?
A major strength of the series was the "can't always have what you want" angle, and the angst related to it. I much preferred Ki as the loyal squire who just couldn't quite give Tamir what she wanted. It would have been more in keeping with the established themes if they had remained best friends, but had to look elsewhere for romantic relationships.
Still, I may have been able to accept it if it weren't for the "straight from fan fiction" scenes used to create the supposed "spark" between them. Ki saves Tamir from an evil ghost, is shocked to tears because he almost lost her, discovers that he can't live without her, and kissing ensues. You've gotta be kidding me...
Great series! ^ I thought this was a great series. Different from the usual fantasy you read. Actually, I think this is my favorite series by Lynn Flewelling.
Like most people have stated... did I want to hear more about the relationship between Tamir and Ki... yes, yes, yes!!! But, I think what we were given concerning their relationship made the story as a whole resonate more.
Go out and buy every book from Lynn Flewelling... you won't be disappointed!
The Tamir Trilogy ^ The whole set of books is a wonderful fantasy with several twists in the plot to keep the story entertaining.
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