Book Review - The Pursual by F.F. John

Scioness Neith Reffour, daughter of the powerful man is of marriageable age. While her heart belongs to Invier, his status is too low for her father to consider him a suitable match. Neith invokes an almost archaic ritual, the Pursual, where participants from the most powerful families, or Nomes, compete in arduous contests for her hand. Invier despises the thought of having to enter a competition and win the right to marry Neith, but she tricks him into entering. When participants begin dying violently, the Pursual takes a dark turn that none of them could have envisioned.

The book is written in first person present point of view, which is usually not my preferred point of view to read. However, the author weaves a rich world that drew me in. She changes points of view, but does so at chapter breaks, therefore it is less jarring to the reader, and avoids head-hopping. 

The characters are well developed, and easy to relate to. Neith, the young headstrong woman trying to balance her heart's desire, with her family's livelihood. Her cousin Bel, a sympathetic, but strong woman in her own right. Poor Invier, thrust into a situation beyond his control; his desire to do everything to win so he can marry Neith and prove himself worthy to the Nomes, and her father, is tempered by his frustration and vexation at being manipulated. 

The Pursual ritual itself is explained well. The terrifying challenges each participant must face, and their reactions to such make for a page-turning adventure that is hard to put down.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Purchase the book here: The Pursual by F.F. John on Amazon.com

Book Review - Pearls of Sea and Stone: Book of Seal by Teresa Garcia

"Pearls of Sea and Stone: Book of Seals" is a terrific prequel to Teresa Garcia's "Selkies' Skins" series. In it, we're introduced to Kirsty—a girl living, and studying at a magickal boarding school. Kirsty is half Selkie—a shapeshifting seal race. Upon discovering the "Book of Seals" in the school library, Kirsty begins reading. The audience reads along with her, learning much about the Selkie race, and their legends. This interesting material will likely play a large role in events later in the "Selkies' Skins" series. Interspersed with the "Book of Seals" material, we learn about Kirsty as a person, and about her school.

"Pearls of Sea and Stone: Book of Seals" is a great introduction to this world, and these characters. It enlightens the reader about them in a fun way, while also making the reader want more. If the rest of the "Selkies' Skin" series is as good, I want to read them all!

 Purchase this book here: Pearls of Sea and Stone: Book of Seals at Amazon.com