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The Obernewtyn Chronicles #4
The Keeping Place
'Look out,' I screamed. The flying creature lashed out and I stared in horror at Rushton's bloodied arm. Maruman leapt between us in his tyger form. 'Let me go to him!' I screamed.
'He is in a dream but the beast is not. It comes! Wake!'
After a kidnapping, Elspeth Gordie and the Misfits are forced to join the rebellion against the oppressive Council, using their extraordinary mind powers. But Elspeth must also seek out clues left by the long-dead seer, Kasanda, vital to her quest to destroy the Beforetime weaponmachines. One clue is lost in the past, forcing Elspeth to travel the Dreamtrails, stalked by a terrifying winged beast, with the cat, Maruman, as her guide and guardian. Only there can she learn more of the Beforetimer Misfits and their enemy, Govamen.
Gradually Elspeth realises her quest is intimately linked to the Misfits' refuge, Obernewtyn - its past and its future...
'He is in a dream but the beast is not. It comes! Wake!'
After a kidnapping, Elspeth Gordie and the Misfits are forced to join the rebellion against the oppressive Council, using their extraordinary mind powers. But Elspeth must also seek out clues left by the long-dead seer, Kasanda, vital to her quest to destroy the Beforetime weaponmachines. One clue is lost in the past, forcing Elspeth to travel the Dreamtrails, stalked by a terrifying winged beast, with the cat, Maruman, as her guide and guardian. Only there can she learn more of the Beforetimer Misfits and their enemy, Govamen.
Gradually Elspeth realises her quest is intimately linked to the Misfits' refuge, Obernewtyn - its past and its future...
754 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 1999
About the author
Isobelle Carmody
96 books1,692 followersIsobelle Carmody began the first novel of her highly acclaimed Obernewtyn Chronicles while she was still in high school. The series has established her at the forefront of fantasy writing in Australia.
In addition to her young-adult novels, such as the Obernewtyn Chronicles and Alyzon Whitestarr, Isobelle's published works include several middle-grade fantasies. Her still-unfinished Gateway Trilogy has been favorably compared to The Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia. The Little Fur quartet is an eco-fantasy starring a half-elf, half-troll heroine and is fully illustrated by the author herself.
Isobelle's most recent picture book, Magic Night, is a collaboration with illustrator Declan Lee. Originally published in Australia as The Wrong Thing, the book features an ordinary housecat who stumbles upon something otherworldly. Across all her writing, Isobelle shows a talent for balancing the mundane and the fantastic.
Isobelle was the guest of honor at the 2007 Australian National Science Fiction Convention. She has received numerous honors for her writing, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.
She currently divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.
Librarian's note: Penguin Australia is publishing the Obernewtyn Chronicles in six books, and The Stone Key is book five. In the United States and Canada this series is published by Random House in eight books; this Penguin Australia book is split into two parts and published as Wavesong (Book Five) and The Stone Key (Book Six).
In addition to her young-adult novels, such as the Obernewtyn Chronicles and Alyzon Whitestarr, Isobelle's published works include several middle-grade fantasies. Her still-unfinished Gateway Trilogy has been favorably compared to The Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia. The Little Fur quartet is an eco-fantasy starring a half-elf, half-troll heroine and is fully illustrated by the author herself.
Isobelle's most recent picture book, Magic Night, is a collaboration with illustrator Declan Lee. Originally published in Australia as The Wrong Thing, the book features an ordinary housecat who stumbles upon something otherworldly. Across all her writing, Isobelle shows a talent for balancing the mundane and the fantastic.
Isobelle was the guest of honor at the 2007 Australian National Science Fiction Convention. She has received numerous honors for her writing, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.
She currently divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.
Librarian's note: Penguin Australia is publishing the Obernewtyn Chronicles in six books, and The Stone Key is book five. In the United States and Canada this series is published by Random House in eight books; this Penguin Australia book is split into two parts and published as Wavesong (Book Five) and The Stone Key (Book Six).
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April 11, 2012
This is definitly the weak link in the series. Literally nothing happened for the first 4/5ths of the book and all the places and people seem to have caught up with Carmody to create an inpenetrable maze of names. Seriously, no wonder she felt she had to include a three-place (tiny font) dictionary at the front of the novel, but surely the fact she felt she needed one should've been a warning light? Once the book does get moving it's interesting, but I don't know weather it's because I've been reading a lot of crime novels lately but I saw all of the swists and turns coming from several miles away. Indeed, one of the 'big reveal' moments was guessed by me 2 books ago! Still, I hold out hope for the series, and I will keep on reading...I suppose even authors are allowed to have a down year.
:/
:/
November 2, 2009
My first thought when I picked this one up was that I would just give up on this series rather than start reading this insanely long, enormous, monster of a book. But my curiosity got the better of me and I had to give it a shot because I really do like this series and do want to know what is going to happen. There were times when I considered giving up on it but then something really interesting would happen and honestly there is some really fascinating information coming to light in this one. It is just too, too long. Overall the series is getting just a bit too drawn out and detailed. Too many characters are being introduced and I can barely keep them all straight. Lots and lots of things going on but it is just interesting enough to keep me wanting more.
January 22, 2015
This review contains spoilers.
Spring is arriving to the highlands, where Obernewtyn - the big sprawling mansion and farm that is home to a large group of Talented and unTalented Misfits and animals - lies protected by the mountains and a snowed-in pass, but the events of the previous year are still fresh in everyone's minds. Much has changed: understanding their pacifist nature, they have turned to devising ways of using their skills and Talents (Farseeking, Coercing, Beastspeaking, Healing, Futuretelling, Empathy and the Teknoguild) to bringing a more subtle kind of change to the Land. If they can't change people's prejudices towards Misfits, then they'll be no better off when the Rebels strike and the Council falls.
Rushton has left for a sudden and unexpected meeting with the Rebels in Sutrium, the capital, leaving Elspeth, Guildmistress of the Farseekers, in charge of Obernewtyn. She pushes aside her niggling worry that borders on premonition, by focusing on the many demands on her attention. Dragon, the wild girl Elspeth rescued from some Beforetime ruins in The Farseekers , still lies in her coma, locked in her recurring dream of the past that she had sealed off in her mind - only Elspeth now realises that Dragon's powerful empathy-coercer talent is letting her dreams affect everyone at Obernewtyn, and no one is sleeping well. They dreams of Matthew, the Farseeker who was taken by slavers, toiling in a far-off, hot red land, and their details match. And they dream of a dragon, though no one has been attacked by it except for Elspeth. Maruman, the mad old cat who guards Elspeth's dreams, protects her as best he can.
In the half-submerged city built by the Beforetimers under the mountain Tor, the Teknoguild have worked obsessively to uncover the secrets of the past, secrets that connect Obernewtyn to the mission Elspeth is secretly on: to find and destroy the weaponmachines that brought the Great White and nearly destroyed the world, before the Destroyer finds them and activates them, ending life for good. Elspeth has come to realise that her mission and the destiny of Obernewtyn are entwined, and the puzzle of the past becomes an important part of understanding how to find the clues she needs as the Seeker. Her dreams aid her as she witnesses the past, though they are also dangerous, not just from the manifestation of Dragon's insanity, but from the Destroyer himself, who turns out to be Ariel, the beautiful but cruel Misfit who fled Obernewtyn all those years ago and now works his twisted magic on both the Council and the Herder Faction.
Rushton, on leaving Sutrium, is kidnapped, and the Misfits of Obernewtyn have been ordered to join the rebellion or he will be killed. Elspeth has no choice but to set them on the path they had collectively decided not to take. But there are traitors within the Rebel ranks, and many Rebel leaders despise the Misfits, so that they are betrayed more than once. And who kidnapped Rushton, if not the Rebels? And why - who else would want them to join forces? The answer surprises, and puzzles, them all.
Well! I can't believe I couldn't remember a single thing that happened in this massive, eventful volume, from the last - first? - time I read it when it came out in 1999. Unlike the previous three books, I think I must have read this one only once, though that seems unlikely. Maybe twice. How could I have so completely forgotten it all? Incredible. But good, because re-reading it now it was almost like reading it for the first time (I say "almost" because, as things happened, I remembered them - but I still couldn't recall what would happen next, so it was full of surprises for me!).
Elspeth is about nineteen or twenty years old at this point - I'm still keeping track, because if you remember, the only time her age is mentioned is at the very beginning of Obernewtyn , when she's fourteen. Almost the entire first half of The Keeping Place is focused on Elspeth running Obernewtyn, and the dreamtrails. It's busy and richly detailed, fleshing out how the Misfits live at Obernewtyn and giving us some much-needed time with Elspeth away from dire predicaments. She's always been a wonderful and fascinating character to me, and it's very interesting to see how far she's come and how her time as an orphan - isolated, too fearful of being denounced to make an friends, and secretive - has shaped her (as well as helping her face the solitude of her task, one which she doesn't expect to survive). She now makes an effort to empathise and give comfort, though she feels awkward doing it. She's still aloof, and when they get the news that Rushton has been taken, she makes a big effort not to fall apart for the sake of Rushton and Obernewtyn, even while she knows that everyone will think her cold and unfeeling (except the Empaths, I'm sure).
I was always disappointed that this volume didn't have more Rushton in it - like, they finally get together at the end of Ashling , only to be separated again for almost the entire book, here. I always felt so cheated! There's a different vibe to this one, perhaps because of Rushton's kidnapping, but also because after much talk, there is action. There's a subtle kind of tension, a gnawing anxiety that something's not right - Elspeth feels it but doesn't really heed it, though for all her suspicions about the Herders, it's hard to believe that she still can't see them for the dangerous enemy that readers can clearly see. I was also surprised, and disappointed, that she couldn't see that Malik, one of the Rebel leaders, was up to something. I couldn't remember what, until it happened, but I had that sick feeling of dread that he was going to do something really bad to the Misfits, first chance he got. Elspeth had a gut feeling there too, but there wasn't much she could have done about it. Oh except realise that the trap the Misfits were going to lead the soldierguards into was also going to be a trap for them! Remember the lesson from Ashling, that they are nice and compassionate and humane people - bordering on naive at times, because their imaginations fail to encompass the malicious hatred of someone like Malik.
The second half is planning and action for the rebellion, and things move swiftly. I loved that the rebellion wasn't The End that solved everyone's problems: the people are so downtrodden and afraid that, as the Sutrium Rebel leader explains, you have to bring change gradually, and let the people be in charge of it as much as possible, or they won't see the difference between the Rebels and the Council that ruled before. They are putting a democratic system into place - not only does the Obernewtyn Chronicles tackle the rights of animals, or modern warfare, or human greed, or the environment - it also takes on politics, and the motivations behind power machinations. All highly relevant to our time and what our countries get up to. I love fantasy like this, the kind that subtly connects dots and, even, not so subtly waves little red flags over certain issues. I rather think that that's what fantasy is for, in a way - you've heard me go on about that before on other reviews.
This is a complex world, one that is intricately fleshed-out, and not at all predictable. The best thing is, I have reached the end of the books that I had previously read. Next up, in October, I am reading The Stone Key, and in November The Sending (the final book in the series, The Red Queen, isn't due out until late 2013). I have no idea what happens next but I can't wait to find out! It's so exciting!
Spring is arriving to the highlands, where Obernewtyn - the big sprawling mansion and farm that is home to a large group of Talented and unTalented Misfits and animals - lies protected by the mountains and a snowed-in pass, but the events of the previous year are still fresh in everyone's minds. Much has changed: understanding their pacifist nature, they have turned to devising ways of using their skills and Talents (Farseeking, Coercing, Beastspeaking, Healing, Futuretelling, Empathy and the Teknoguild) to bringing a more subtle kind of change to the Land. If they can't change people's prejudices towards Misfits, then they'll be no better off when the Rebels strike and the Council falls.
Rushton has left for a sudden and unexpected meeting with the Rebels in Sutrium, the capital, leaving Elspeth, Guildmistress of the Farseekers, in charge of Obernewtyn. She pushes aside her niggling worry that borders on premonition, by focusing on the many demands on her attention. Dragon, the wild girl Elspeth rescued from some Beforetime ruins in The Farseekers , still lies in her coma, locked in her recurring dream of the past that she had sealed off in her mind - only Elspeth now realises that Dragon's powerful empathy-coercer talent is letting her dreams affect everyone at Obernewtyn, and no one is sleeping well. They dreams of Matthew, the Farseeker who was taken by slavers, toiling in a far-off, hot red land, and their details match. And they dream of a dragon, though no one has been attacked by it except for Elspeth. Maruman, the mad old cat who guards Elspeth's dreams, protects her as best he can.
In the half-submerged city built by the Beforetimers under the mountain Tor, the Teknoguild have worked obsessively to uncover the secrets of the past, secrets that connect Obernewtyn to the mission Elspeth is secretly on: to find and destroy the weaponmachines that brought the Great White and nearly destroyed the world, before the Destroyer finds them and activates them, ending life for good. Elspeth has come to realise that her mission and the destiny of Obernewtyn are entwined, and the puzzle of the past becomes an important part of understanding how to find the clues she needs as the Seeker. Her dreams aid her as she witnesses the past, though they are also dangerous, not just from the manifestation of Dragon's insanity, but from the Destroyer himself, who turns out to be Ariel, the beautiful but cruel Misfit who fled Obernewtyn all those years ago and now works his twisted magic on both the Council and the Herder Faction.
Rushton, on leaving Sutrium, is kidnapped, and the Misfits of Obernewtyn have been ordered to join the rebellion or he will be killed. Elspeth has no choice but to set them on the path they had collectively decided not to take. But there are traitors within the Rebel ranks, and many Rebel leaders despise the Misfits, so that they are betrayed more than once. And who kidnapped Rushton, if not the Rebels? And why - who else would want them to join forces? The answer surprises, and puzzles, them all.
Well! I can't believe I couldn't remember a single thing that happened in this massive, eventful volume, from the last - first? - time I read it when it came out in 1999. Unlike the previous three books, I think I must have read this one only once, though that seems unlikely. Maybe twice. How could I have so completely forgotten it all? Incredible. But good, because re-reading it now it was almost like reading it for the first time (I say "almost" because, as things happened, I remembered them - but I still couldn't recall what would happen next, so it was full of surprises for me!).
Elspeth is about nineteen or twenty years old at this point - I'm still keeping track, because if you remember, the only time her age is mentioned is at the very beginning of Obernewtyn , when she's fourteen. Almost the entire first half of The Keeping Place is focused on Elspeth running Obernewtyn, and the dreamtrails. It's busy and richly detailed, fleshing out how the Misfits live at Obernewtyn and giving us some much-needed time with Elspeth away from dire predicaments. She's always been a wonderful and fascinating character to me, and it's very interesting to see how far she's come and how her time as an orphan - isolated, too fearful of being denounced to make an friends, and secretive - has shaped her (as well as helping her face the solitude of her task, one which she doesn't expect to survive). She now makes an effort to empathise and give comfort, though she feels awkward doing it. She's still aloof, and when they get the news that Rushton has been taken, she makes a big effort not to fall apart for the sake of Rushton and Obernewtyn, even while she knows that everyone will think her cold and unfeeling (except the Empaths, I'm sure).
I was always disappointed that this volume didn't have more Rushton in it - like, they finally get together at the end of Ashling , only to be separated again for almost the entire book, here. I always felt so cheated! There's a different vibe to this one, perhaps because of Rushton's kidnapping, but also because after much talk, there is action. There's a subtle kind of tension, a gnawing anxiety that something's not right - Elspeth feels it but doesn't really heed it, though for all her suspicions about the Herders, it's hard to believe that she still can't see them for the dangerous enemy that readers can clearly see. I was also surprised, and disappointed, that she couldn't see that Malik, one of the Rebel leaders, was up to something. I couldn't remember what, until it happened, but I had that sick feeling of dread that he was going to do something really bad to the Misfits, first chance he got. Elspeth had a gut feeling there too, but there wasn't much she could have done about it. Oh except realise that the trap the Misfits were going to lead the soldierguards into was also going to be a trap for them! Remember the lesson from Ashling, that they are nice and compassionate and humane people - bordering on naive at times, because their imaginations fail to encompass the malicious hatred of someone like Malik.
The second half is planning and action for the rebellion, and things move swiftly. I loved that the rebellion wasn't The End that solved everyone's problems: the people are so downtrodden and afraid that, as the Sutrium Rebel leader explains, you have to bring change gradually, and let the people be in charge of it as much as possible, or they won't see the difference between the Rebels and the Council that ruled before. They are putting a democratic system into place - not only does the Obernewtyn Chronicles tackle the rights of animals, or modern warfare, or human greed, or the environment - it also takes on politics, and the motivations behind power machinations. All highly relevant to our time and what our countries get up to. I love fantasy like this, the kind that subtly connects dots and, even, not so subtly waves little red flags over certain issues. I rather think that that's what fantasy is for, in a way - you've heard me go on about that before on other reviews.
This is a complex world, one that is intricately fleshed-out, and not at all predictable. The best thing is, I have reached the end of the books that I had previously read. Next up, in October, I am reading The Stone Key, and in November The Sending (the final book in the series, The Red Queen, isn't due out until late 2013). I have no idea what happens next but I can't wait to find out! It's so exciting!
September 3, 2010
I devoured the third book in this series--it had me absolutely captivated. This one? Not so much. It felt like there was too much and not enough going on at the same time. I was drowning in mundane details and names and dreams and running around to various places... I will admit that I skimmed. Quite a bit, actually. There just wasn't really anything that interested me, except for Dameon's all too brief appearances and the tiny bit with the diving. Wait, no, that's not entirely true; I was also interested in the direction Carmody went with Rushton for a short while, but then... Poof! Oh, never mind that, problem solved (for the most part)! This book was so long, and yet, I get the feeling that once I've finished the entire series, this one won't have really played a huge part in the grand scheme of things at all. The few important points could be summed up in a paragraph or so; didn't Carmody have an editor for this thing (I'm guessing not a good one at any rate--also there are many weird typos and grammar errors)?
I already bought the fifth and sixth books, so hopefully those are an improvement. But I'm feeling rather bitter about this one and it certainly doesn't make me anxious to start the next right away.
I already bought the fifth and sixth books, so hopefully those are an improvement. But I'm feeling rather bitter about this one and it certainly doesn't make me anxious to start the next right away.
July 18, 2009
This fantasy sci-fi series about a group of psychic, mind reading, beast speaking teens in a post apocalyptic world gets better with every book. The whole plot line is complicated and involves over zealous religious groups, big brother government, rebel groups, and gypsies. All this tied into the sub plot of the main character trying to solve the mystery of how she is supposed to save the earth from another great disaster. Confused yet? Well, somehow this all comes together in a really fun, exciting, story. Trust me.
July 29, 2016
Finished reading The Keeping Place by Isobelle Carmody, Book 4 in the Obernewtyn Chronicles.
Oh, what a disappointment!
I had noted that the first 3 books were a bit of a hard slog, but they were beguiling & had moments of excellence. This one was a waste of time & 700 odd pages of drivelling twaddle. I began skipping whole chapters in the end just to finish it.
So, what does it get?
3/10: "Finished the book but left a lot to be desired" on the NBRS.
Now, do I read the fifth in the series? Or do I cut my losses now? Mmmm.
Oh, what a disappointment!
I had noted that the first 3 books were a bit of a hard slog, but they were beguiling & had moments of excellence. This one was a waste of time & 700 odd pages of drivelling twaddle. I began skipping whole chapters in the end just to finish it.
So, what does it get?
3/10: "Finished the book but left a lot to be desired" on the NBRS.
Now, do I read the fifth in the series? Or do I cut my losses now? Mmmm.
August 9, 2015
Okay, maybe Goodreads should alter its methods and give credit for every 300 pages read or something? because that was a looooong book to get credit for just one! (754 pages) Good, though. And moving on to the sequel, equally hefty.
July 21, 2015
Re-read in preparation for release of The Red Queen.
February 19, 2015
3.5 stars. The story took a weird turn, so it's not my favorite. I also grew tired of Elspeth's obsession with Rushton, and saving him, even if I do like the idea of them being together.
September 12, 2019
Can't get enough of this series!
October 15, 2012
After the Battlegames, the Misfits have retreated back to Obernewtyn. They have learned a valuable lesson there, that they are not fit to fight and that they need not offer themselves as a part of the Rebel’s uprising against the Council. They’re a peaceable people and they have realised that living their lives the way they do, secluded in the mountains, protected by the weather that cuts off the pass and the rumours about Obernewtyn itself, might be for the long term.
The Rebels have other ideas it seems and they request an urgent meeting with Rushton, Master of Obernewtyn to request once again, the Misfit’s assistance, which Rushton gently refuses in accordance with what had been decided at Guildmerge. When Rushton doesn’t return from this meeting in time for the Moon Fair, a celebration that Obernewtyn goes all out for, Elspeth Geordie is disappointed but not overly concerned. After all, any number of things could have delayed him on his way back to Obernewtyn. She is kept busy running Obernewtyn, performing the duties as Master in his absence but when someone discovers one of the messenger birds that Rushton took with him, dead but with a message saying “We have your leader, aid the rebels or else” the peace Obernewtyn has found, is broken.
Elspeth and several others travel to Sutrium to meet with the Rebel leaders and find out what they want. As well as dealing with the loss of her bondmate and the potential scenario that they may never find him, Elspeth has to make decisions regarding the Misfits and their future, something she’s not ready for. She also has her own tasks to undertake that are related to her quest to destroy the weaponmachines from the Beforetime and also her sleep has been disturbed for some time, the culprit being the young girl Dragon, who lies in a coma, a coma that Elspeth had to put her in in order to save her. It seems that trapped deep within Dragon’s disturbed mind are some answers that Elspeth seeks but she must walk the dangerous dreamtrails to find them, where hurts can be inflicted. Here the Destroyer looks for her and she must avoid that danger in order to continue on her quest.
The Keeping Place is the fourth novel in the Obernewtyn Chronicles and perhaps the one that I’m the least familiar with. It’s size is daunting, I’d forgotten just how big a book it is and how much story it contains. It’s never been my favourite volume, perhaps because of all of the dreamtrails stuff but I have to say that I really enjoyed this re-reading and re-familiarising myself with key parts of the story that I had forgotten because I do tend to ignore this book whenever I do re-read bits and pieces of the series. Now that I’m reading them all and in order, I see just how much information this book gives in terms of Elspeth’s task as the Seeker. Here she must find the signs left to her by a Beforetimer who foresaw her and Elspeth is again guided by the Agyllian birds who speak to her through Maruman or through her dreams.
I know Elspeth is preoccupied with both who has Rushton and also her task as the Seeker but I was surprised just how much it seemed to surprise the Misfits that Malik and his band of rebels betrayed them. It isn’t that long since the Battlegames and his hatred isn’t hard to recall. Even though some of the other Rebel leaders accept the Misfits and even welcome the assistance they can give them (for example the Rebels know there is a traitor somewhere, feeding information to the Herders and they want the Misfits to attempt to find these traitors using their abilities) but Malik has never harboured anything other than outright loathing and disdain for any of them. And the fact that he suddenly had a plan that included the Misfits didn’t really seem to ring enough warning bells for me at all and I think that had Elspeth not been so distracted by thoughts of who had Rushton and where he was and what was happening to him and also the thoughts about finding the signs left for her, she might’ve better seen through Malik to the treachery that lay underneath. I don’t really think that Elspeth is equipped to rule (and she seems to accept this, she knows she’s prickly and hard to approach and she’s not good at speaking in public, etc). She seems to be selected as Master of Obernewtyn in Rushton’s absence because of her phenomenal abilities and also perhaps because she and Rushton are now finally bonded, it does seem natural that she would rule when he is not there. But I’m not sure that this role shows her strengths.
It’s interesting how my feelings towards characters are changing as I re-read these. I always liked Dameon but now I’m seeing bits and pieces of his character, sharp words, double meanings, a sullenness I haven’t noticed before that I admit, could perhaps be influenced by my reading of The Sending. I never much liked Matthew after Obernewtyn, especially for his cruelty to Dragon but in re-reading I find that his story interests me greatly and I really want to be reunited with him in the final novel, The Red Queen and see what lies in store for him and Dragon when they return her to the land of her people. I always spend a lot of time thinking about things after I finish these books, little bits and pieces and clues that the book has divulged. Although this book leads us to believe that Ariel is the Destroyer, I don’t believe this is true, I don’t think I’ve ever believed that and I’m pretty sure that I’ve read Carmody has said in interviews that he isn’t the Destroyer. Elspeth thinks he is. I have a couple of guesses for who I think the Destroyer might be and I tend to go back and forth between them.
I’m doing myself a favour and starting The Stone Key early in October – it’s a whopper at close to 1000p and the last 2 months I’ve had to rush through the books, getting them read on the last couple of days of the month. The Stone Key is also a book I’ve only read probably twice since it’s publication so there’s bound to be a lot of things I’ve forgotten in there.
The Rebels have other ideas it seems and they request an urgent meeting with Rushton, Master of Obernewtyn to request once again, the Misfit’s assistance, which Rushton gently refuses in accordance with what had been decided at Guildmerge. When Rushton doesn’t return from this meeting in time for the Moon Fair, a celebration that Obernewtyn goes all out for, Elspeth Geordie is disappointed but not overly concerned. After all, any number of things could have delayed him on his way back to Obernewtyn. She is kept busy running Obernewtyn, performing the duties as Master in his absence but when someone discovers one of the messenger birds that Rushton took with him, dead but with a message saying “We have your leader, aid the rebels or else” the peace Obernewtyn has found, is broken.
Elspeth and several others travel to Sutrium to meet with the Rebel leaders and find out what they want. As well as dealing with the loss of her bondmate and the potential scenario that they may never find him, Elspeth has to make decisions regarding the Misfits and their future, something she’s not ready for. She also has her own tasks to undertake that are related to her quest to destroy the weaponmachines from the Beforetime and also her sleep has been disturbed for some time, the culprit being the young girl Dragon, who lies in a coma, a coma that Elspeth had to put her in in order to save her. It seems that trapped deep within Dragon’s disturbed mind are some answers that Elspeth seeks but she must walk the dangerous dreamtrails to find them, where hurts can be inflicted. Here the Destroyer looks for her and she must avoid that danger in order to continue on her quest.
The Keeping Place is the fourth novel in the Obernewtyn Chronicles and perhaps the one that I’m the least familiar with. It’s size is daunting, I’d forgotten just how big a book it is and how much story it contains. It’s never been my favourite volume, perhaps because of all of the dreamtrails stuff but I have to say that I really enjoyed this re-reading and re-familiarising myself with key parts of the story that I had forgotten because I do tend to ignore this book whenever I do re-read bits and pieces of the series. Now that I’m reading them all and in order, I see just how much information this book gives in terms of Elspeth’s task as the Seeker. Here she must find the signs left to her by a Beforetimer who foresaw her and Elspeth is again guided by the Agyllian birds who speak to her through Maruman or through her dreams.
I know Elspeth is preoccupied with both who has Rushton and also her task as the Seeker but I was surprised just how much it seemed to surprise the Misfits that Malik and his band of rebels betrayed them. It isn’t that long since the Battlegames and his hatred isn’t hard to recall. Even though some of the other Rebel leaders accept the Misfits and even welcome the assistance they can give them (for example the Rebels know there is a traitor somewhere, feeding information to the Herders and they want the Misfits to attempt to find these traitors using their abilities) but Malik has never harboured anything other than outright loathing and disdain for any of them. And the fact that he suddenly had a plan that included the Misfits didn’t really seem to ring enough warning bells for me at all and I think that had Elspeth not been so distracted by thoughts of who had Rushton and where he was and what was happening to him and also the thoughts about finding the signs left for her, she might’ve better seen through Malik to the treachery that lay underneath. I don’t really think that Elspeth is equipped to rule (and she seems to accept this, she knows she’s prickly and hard to approach and she’s not good at speaking in public, etc). She seems to be selected as Master of Obernewtyn in Rushton’s absence because of her phenomenal abilities and also perhaps because she and Rushton are now finally bonded, it does seem natural that she would rule when he is not there. But I’m not sure that this role shows her strengths.
It’s interesting how my feelings towards characters are changing as I re-read these. I always liked Dameon but now I’m seeing bits and pieces of his character, sharp words, double meanings, a sullenness I haven’t noticed before that I admit, could perhaps be influenced by my reading of The Sending. I never much liked Matthew after Obernewtyn, especially for his cruelty to Dragon but in re-reading I find that his story interests me greatly and I really want to be reunited with him in the final novel, The Red Queen and see what lies in store for him and Dragon when they return her to the land of her people. I always spend a lot of time thinking about things after I finish these books, little bits and pieces and clues that the book has divulged. Although this book leads us to believe that Ariel is the Destroyer, I don’t believe this is true, I don’t think I’ve ever believed that and I’m pretty sure that I’ve read Carmody has said in interviews that he isn’t the Destroyer. Elspeth thinks he is. I have a couple of guesses for who I think the Destroyer might be and I tend to go back and forth between them.
I’m doing myself a favour and starting The Stone Key early in October – it’s a whopper at close to 1000p and the last 2 months I’ve had to rush through the books, getting them read on the last couple of days of the month. The Stone Key is also a book I’ve only read probably twice since it’s publication so there’s bound to be a lot of things I’ve forgotten in there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2022
The ending was pretty much gender reversed sleeping beauty. Never the less the book was quite good. The series continues to get better and better with every book. And now I am emotionally invested
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
I am really enjoying reading the Obernewtyn Chronicles, especially after finishing the fourth installment in this series - “The Keeping Place”. This young adult fantasy series is incredibly progressive in terms of its humanitarian views towards animals and humans. It is a sad warning that our prejudices are not wiped out, even when most of the world is destroyed and tainted by our ambition. At the beginning of each installment the reader is reminded that the earth has undergone a terrible holocaust caused by man-made machines. It is the ultimate warning of ‘pride cometh before the fall’.
As the books become thicker, the rich tapestry that Elspeth is a part of widens. “The Keeping Place” provides more detail into the prophecy that Elspeth is central to – her role is to ensure that the world is forever rid of the dormant death machines. As Elspeth waits for the call to follow her destined path she and her fellow Misfits are drawn into the rebel uprising. The ensuring chaos is fraught with danger, treachery, and intrigue as Elspeth and the Misfits try to find their place in a hostile, post-holocaust land.
I did not anticipate how quickly I would be drawn into this series. What started out as a light holiday read is becoming a desperate attempt to finish the remainder of the series before I return to work in 2018. I would recommend this series to young and old readers alike.
Edit 2024: I never completed the Obernewtyn Chronicles before returning to work but decided that this year would be the year I finally completed all 7 instalments. Once again I have been drawn into Elspeth's world and plan to see her journey to the end.
As the books become thicker, the rich tapestry that Elspeth is a part of widens. “The Keeping Place” provides more detail into the prophecy that Elspeth is central to – her role is to ensure that the world is forever rid of the dormant death machines. As Elspeth waits for the call to follow her destined path she and her fellow Misfits are drawn into the rebel uprising. The ensuring chaos is fraught with danger, treachery, and intrigue as Elspeth and the Misfits try to find their place in a hostile, post-holocaust land.
I did not anticipate how quickly I would be drawn into this series. What started out as a light holiday read is becoming a desperate attempt to finish the remainder of the series before I return to work in 2018. I would recommend this series to young and old readers alike.
Edit 2024: I never completed the Obernewtyn Chronicles before returning to work but decided that this year would be the year I finally completed all 7 instalments. Once again I have been drawn into Elspeth's world and plan to see her journey to the end.
November 23, 2015
REREAD #1: 20 November 2015 - 23 November 2015 (9/10)
There's so much in this book. The rebellion takes place, we learn more about Elspeth's quest and the Beforetime - and how those two are linked together.
There's been a fundamental shift by the end of it, but there's still so much more to go. On my first read of the series, this was where I stopped. I was too worried about what was going to happen next and I knew the next book was the last one written at the time. This time around, I'm eager to keep going (and I've already read the first few chapters of Wavesong, which is the first half of The Stone Key, that was split in half for it's original US publication). Knowing I can keep going right to the end has reduced most of my previous anxiety and turned it into anticipation. I shall carry on reading and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Ariel, and the idea of meeting up with him again and the Herders along with him, does still creep me out though. As corrupt and nasty as the Council was, I think the Herders are going to prove to be worse. Fanatics usually are.
ORIGINAL READ: Finished 3 July 2009 (9/10)
There's so much in this book. The rebellion takes place, we learn more about Elspeth's quest and the Beforetime - and how those two are linked together.
There's been a fundamental shift by the end of it, but there's still so much more to go. On my first read of the series, this was where I stopped. I was too worried about what was going to happen next and I knew the next book was the last one written at the time. This time around, I'm eager to keep going (and I've already read the first few chapters of Wavesong, which is the first half of The Stone Key, that was split in half for it's original US publication). Knowing I can keep going right to the end has reduced most of my previous anxiety and turned it into anticipation. I shall carry on reading and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Ariel, and the idea of meeting up with him again and the Herders along with him, does still creep me out though. As corrupt and nasty as the Council was, I think the Herders are going to prove to be worse. Fanatics usually are.
ORIGINAL READ: Finished 3 July 2009 (9/10)
April 5, 2012
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. As a fan of the series thus far (while only lately introduced) I had rather high expectations upon commencing, and I must say I was by no means disappointed. While arguably a little slow, and perhaps burdened with unnecessary detail at the novel's beginning, such ultimately enables the crux of the plot to take on such a superior impact that they are beyond justifiable. Isobelle Carmody not only transports readers entirely into the realms which she portrays but also enables them to share the deep emotions of the characters whom she portrays, which is one of the central reasons I have fallen for the Obernewtyn Chronicals.
The only negative (though I cannot bring myself to fully justify the use of such a strong term) element associated with this book is the extensive interlaced web of characters to whom readers have been previously introduced and are called upon to recall. While such an issue may not restrict the reading pleasure of those who are previously acquainted with the series, it may do so to those who are previously unfamiliar with the the extended Obernewtyn family.
Despite this "short-coming", ultimately The Keeping Place is a heart-wrenching novel and, in my opinion at least, the best of the series so far.
The only negative (though I cannot bring myself to fully justify the use of such a strong term) element associated with this book is the extensive interlaced web of characters to whom readers have been previously introduced and are called upon to recall. While such an issue may not restrict the reading pleasure of those who are previously acquainted with the series, it may do so to those who are previously unfamiliar with the the extended Obernewtyn family.
Despite this "short-coming", ultimately The Keeping Place is a heart-wrenching novel and, in my opinion at least, the best of the series so far.
March 2, 2012
I want to give this four stars NOW, but I can't. The first two parts of the story could easily have been just one part - this book fell into the trap that a lot of fantasy books fall into. TOO MUCH DETAIL. The first part of the book just followed Elspeth around in her daily nothings with a few dreams related to the plot thrown in. The build up to their moon fair went on and on and on! It really tried my patience.
But part three - it was great! The rebellion had a lot happening at a decent pace (it probably could have been stretched out a bit more even). I don't want to say too much more about that though as any discussion would probably contain spoilers.
A major problem I had with the book though: Rushton. He was barely in it at all - so much so that when . I had grown to like him in the other books (though we didn't see much of him there either) but I just sort of forgot about him here, he just wasn't around enough.
I give it three and a half.
But part three - it was great! The rebellion had a lot happening at a decent pace (it probably could have been stretched out a bit more even). I don't want to say too much more about that though as any discussion would probably contain spoilers.
A major problem I had with the book though: Rushton. He was barely in it at all - so much so that when . I had grown to like him in the other books (though we didn't see much of him there either) but I just sort of forgot about him here, he just wasn't around enough.
I give it three and a half.
November 19, 2015
**All the emotions**
Oh god. Okay, I remembered this book much more than I thought I did- which I don't necessarily consider a good thing! Oh my poor heart.
I said in my review of Ashling that it's the book that seems to set everything into place. Well, this book throws a whole bunch of information at you while you scramble to try piece everything together, while at he same time try to follow along with all your favourite characters. The end of this book has a tinge of desperation to it, which -for me, anyway- leaves me aching to read the next one.
I've often struggled trying to describe these books to people. There's SO MUCH going on, and while you can break it down to just Elspeths 'main quest' as such, in doing so you miss the opportunity to express just how wonderful these characters are, and just how beautiful, and sorrowful, and compassionate this story really is.
I love this series. So much.
(I've received notification that the last book will be in my hands in 8-18 days. Two pretty huge books to go. I can do this... Right? Eeeeep)
Oh god. Okay, I remembered this book much more than I thought I did- which I don't necessarily consider a good thing! Oh my poor heart.
I said in my review of Ashling that it's the book that seems to set everything into place. Well, this book throws a whole bunch of information at you while you scramble to try piece everything together, while at he same time try to follow along with all your favourite characters. The end of this book has a tinge of desperation to it, which -for me, anyway- leaves me aching to read the next one.
I've often struggled trying to describe these books to people. There's SO MUCH going on, and while you can break it down to just Elspeths 'main quest' as such, in doing so you miss the opportunity to express just how wonderful these characters are, and just how beautiful, and sorrowful, and compassionate this story really is.
I love this series. So much.
(I've received notification that the last book will be in my hands in 8-18 days. Two pretty huge books to go. I can do this... Right? Eeeeep)
November 22, 2011
i didn't feel as strongly as others that this book was a boring departure from the first three, but i did feel that it dragged on and on a bit.
I think that Carmody could have sped everything up a little bit without losing any of the tension. The bits about the diving were really cool and i'm excited to learn more about the red queen. But it was super obvious that Dragonwas the Red Queen (or at least her daughter). I wanted to slap Elspeth on the head by the end of the novel.
and if i don't get a satisfactory love scene, or scene of effection with both Rushton and Elspeth i'm going to give up on these novels. Telling me they are in love isn't the same as showing a loving interaction between them. I was so excited at the end of the third novel and then POOF he's gone, never to really be heard from in this book until the EPILOGUE! *frustrating
But i'm sticking to it. i won't be discouraged because i want to see this through to the end.
I think that Carmody could have sped everything up a little bit without losing any of the tension. The bits about the diving were really cool and i'm excited to learn more about the red queen. But it was super obvious that Dragonwas the Red Queen (or at least her daughter). I wanted to slap Elspeth on the head by the end of the novel.
and if i don't get a satisfactory love scene, or scene of effection with both Rushton and Elspeth i'm going to give up on these novels. Telling me they are in love isn't the same as showing a loving interaction between them. I was so excited at the end of the third novel and then POOF he's gone, never to really be heard from in this book until the EPILOGUE! *frustrating
But i'm sticking to it. i won't be discouraged because i want to see this through to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2011
In the fourth book of the Obernewtyn Chronicles Elspeth assumes the responsibility of the Master of Obernewtyn when Rushton must leave to negotiate a deal with the rebels in the fight with the Herder Faction and the Council. The situation becomes more complicated as Dragon’s dreams begin to affect all the Misfits but particularly Elspeth who must dodge an avenging reptilian dragon in her dreams. Maruman does his best to protect her on the dreamtrails but everyone’s resources are stretched especially when the battles between the Council and the rebels breaks out.
February 24, 2012
How disappointing...for the story's sake I had to finish this book, but it was a struggle. I really liked the last few hundred pages, but the rest...I found Elspeth to always be rambling in monologue, the descriptions were long and tedious, the plot was going in circles, the dailogue was bland....there was a rebellion and yet what could have been an exciting read was so dry that I was barely interested. There were little pockets of good parts (eg: when Malik and his men turn on the misfits).
That said, I must finish this series. I think the last three books will be worth it.
That said, I must finish this series. I think the last three books will be worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2015
i forgot how long winded the first half of this book is. too much descriptions of back story and inner thoughts. it really should have skipped all that, you don't need to recap the rest of the series that much. so i have 20 days now to read the other 2 books again. but then after that its all over. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.
January 3, 2016
As good as ever, maybe a little more heartbreaking because I know what's coming... On to the next one.
October 22, 2015
Loved this book!!!!!
August 16, 2016
I'm really starting to get in to this series now!
July 9, 2012
Book 4 was great!!! I love this series... On to book 5:o)
April 7, 2020
Fucking fuck. What a disappointment after books 1-3 which were great.
This is a long... long... looooonngg book, made worse by the fact that absolutely zilch happens in the first half. It is literally a report of Elspeth going from one meeting to another. How does anyone write 500 pages and still nothing happens???
The first half of the book isn't even build up. It isn't important at all. If the book had started with Rushton's being kidnapped, which happens just after the halfway point, really nothing would have been lost.
This is the kind of book that makes me hesitate before picking up another book, it is a literary crime! I'm sorry to be so very harsh. Isobelle Carmody is an author whose books I generally enjoy very much, they are childhood favourites. And she writes very well. But what the hell was this?
The third quarter of the book concerning the rebellion was an interesting plot development made boring by the way in which it was told. And perhaps this book is a great example of why multiple view points work so much better in epic fantasy. Elspeth is literally a telephone during this rebellion that's taking place simultaneously all across the land. Instead of seeing much of whats happening, she is literally having a telepathic discussion with one person in one place, and then another person in another place. And that's how much of the rebellion is told. With a very few exceptions. I felt this problem would have been so easily fixed if Elspeth, with her telepathic powers, could have simply experienced what her people were experiencing through their own eyes, instead reading one report after another. *Sigh... how disappointing.
The only redeeming thing about this book is the ending and the revelation about Dragon's past. I'd give the ending 5 stars. But the rest of the book gets 1 star. So a total of 2 stars from me.
The other major problems with this book are that it suffers from the lack of a true antagonist. Ariel is only vaguely in and out, a distant shadow instead of an active player. As a result there is a serious lack of conflict in the majority of the plot. Also, this is not the first fantasy to suffer from "Mysterious Past" syndrome, where the main character is set on a quest of finding cryptic clues that unveil their personal destiny. I have a problem with these kinds of narratives, because I don't really think anyone really believes in a single destiny laid out for them before they were born. So no one reading can really identify with that. Life is a fluid experience, doors close and doors open. We miss some opportunities and we take others. Most people are concerned with their happiness and the happiness of the people they love, the quality of their lives, and a sense of progression in their careers or hobbies.
The biggest trap that authors fall into regarding the "Mysterious Past" syndrome, is that the main character becomes very passive. And Elspeth is no exception. Her character arc in this book is the equivalent of someone sitting in a waiting room. And the "exciting stuff" is her finding little scraps of torn paper that reveal snippets of a historical mystery that I was able to put together about 700 pages before Elspeth did. *facepalm
I realise that Elspeth is quite literally told what her destiny is, and that she must fulfil it at all costs. But then for the plot to concern itself with myriad mind-numbing internal dialogues where Elspeth is thinking over the past is ... I very nearly gave the whole thing up.
I think the problem is that the mystery of her destiny is not at all like a murder mystery, there's no pressure, as there would be with the "time bomb" plot device, but instead it feels incredibly contrived and aimless.
Elspeth is a child of prophecy because she's been chosen. Why she's been chosen is still not clear by the end of book 4, which is a problem imho. The "destroyer" who Elspeth must work against, can only get the clues from her. So why not thwart the destroyer by simply not looking for any of the clues? Like that makes no sense at all. He should have his own ways and means of figuring things out because that would force Elspeth to thwart his efforts.
Ah... For the sake of books 1-3 which I loved as a kid, and have reread now with the purpose of finishing the entire series, I will continue with book 5. But I have to read something else for now.
I feel like I haven't read a spectacular fantasy in a while. I need one soon >.<
This is a long... long... looooonngg book, made worse by the fact that absolutely zilch happens in the first half. It is literally a report of Elspeth going from one meeting to another. How does anyone write 500 pages and still nothing happens???
The first half of the book isn't even build up. It isn't important at all. If the book had started with Rushton's being kidnapped, which happens just after the halfway point, really nothing would have been lost.
This is the kind of book that makes me hesitate before picking up another book, it is a literary crime! I'm sorry to be so very harsh. Isobelle Carmody is an author whose books I generally enjoy very much, they are childhood favourites. And she writes very well. But what the hell was this?
The third quarter of the book concerning the rebellion was an interesting plot development made boring by the way in which it was told. And perhaps this book is a great example of why multiple view points work so much better in epic fantasy. Elspeth is literally a telephone during this rebellion that's taking place simultaneously all across the land. Instead of seeing much of whats happening, she is literally having a telepathic discussion with one person in one place, and then another person in another place. And that's how much of the rebellion is told. With a very few exceptions. I felt this problem would have been so easily fixed if Elspeth, with her telepathic powers, could have simply experienced what her people were experiencing through their own eyes, instead reading one report after another. *Sigh... how disappointing.
The only redeeming thing about this book is the ending and the revelation about Dragon's past. I'd give the ending 5 stars. But the rest of the book gets 1 star. So a total of 2 stars from me.
The other major problems with this book are that it suffers from the lack of a true antagonist. Ariel is only vaguely in and out, a distant shadow instead of an active player. As a result there is a serious lack of conflict in the majority of the plot. Also, this is not the first fantasy to suffer from "Mysterious Past" syndrome, where the main character is set on a quest of finding cryptic clues that unveil their personal destiny. I have a problem with these kinds of narratives, because I don't really think anyone really believes in a single destiny laid out for them before they were born. So no one reading can really identify with that. Life is a fluid experience, doors close and doors open. We miss some opportunities and we take others. Most people are concerned with their happiness and the happiness of the people they love, the quality of their lives, and a sense of progression in their careers or hobbies.
The biggest trap that authors fall into regarding the "Mysterious Past" syndrome, is that the main character becomes very passive. And Elspeth is no exception. Her character arc in this book is the equivalent of someone sitting in a waiting room. And the "exciting stuff" is her finding little scraps of torn paper that reveal snippets of a historical mystery that I was able to put together about 700 pages before Elspeth did. *facepalm
I realise that Elspeth is quite literally told what her destiny is, and that she must fulfil it at all costs. But then for the plot to concern itself with myriad mind-numbing internal dialogues where Elspeth is thinking over the past is ... I very nearly gave the whole thing up.
I think the problem is that the mystery of her destiny is not at all like a murder mystery, there's no pressure, as there would be with the "time bomb" plot device, but instead it feels incredibly contrived and aimless.
Elspeth is a child of prophecy because she's been chosen. Why she's been chosen is still not clear by the end of book 4, which is a problem imho. The "destroyer" who Elspeth must work against, can only get the clues from her. So why not thwart the destroyer by simply not looking for any of the clues? Like that makes no sense at all. He should have his own ways and means of figuring things out because that would force Elspeth to thwart his efforts.
Ah... For the sake of books 1-3 which I loved as a kid, and have reread now with the purpose of finishing the entire series, I will continue with book 5. But I have to read something else for now.
I feel like I haven't read a spectacular fantasy in a while. I need one soon >.<
January 23, 2019
I'll preface this review by saying that I really wanted this book to be better. However, it suffers from numerous problems that are especially present in this volume because of the lack of action in the first three quarters of it. I'll talk about my two main problems.
1. Show, don't tell: in short, this book doesn't do this. It's not as noticeable when it's masked by dialogue, but there are some parts of the story that just aren't convincing because Carmody doesn't "show" us much, if anything. The best example of this is Elspeth's "relationship" with Rushton. I wasn't convinced at the beginning of the book that she married him for any reason other than that the plot demanded it, and I'm still not convinced at the end. Just focusing on this book (not the events of Ashling which needed some improving), the author could have at least written some scenes of, say, Rushton and Elspeth hiking/swimming/generally hanging out together that could have convinced me that they genuinely enjoy eachother's company. No amount of "Rushton, my love/Elspeth, my love" convinces me more than that would. On a positive note, however, I did enjoy the twist in the middle of the book, and genuinely hope that it has consequences going forward in the series.
2. I'm convinced that Elspeth doesn't actually have character flaws. This goes back to the show don't tell thing. We hear from Elspeth again and again that she has a hard time connecting with people, and that she's restricted by how formally she's treated at Obernewtyn. Do we ever see any consequences of this? No. The idea is there, and it fits with Elspeth's character excellently, but there is no execution. It bothered me in this book more than the previous few because we see Elspeth interacting with people at Obernewtyn, and in charge of people, so with a few tweaks, she could have had real flaws! The whole Miryum/Straaka subplot could have been so much more intriguing if Elspeth didn't magically have a solution that works as a truce, but instead struggled with being the intermediary in a very emotion-ridden conflict. And she had the perfect opportunity to get smacked in the face for treating people like pawns and not people in the whole rebellion story arc! Instead we just get to see our protagonist, who could be a compelling character, be smart except for when the plot demands her to not notice something right in front of her face. It's disappointing.
3. (I lied about the length of the review! Ha! See how it feels?) This book is just generally fluffy, to the extent where I feel like it's artificially buffed up. It would have been more powerful if it were half to three quarters of its length, with less endless dream repetition. (I'm not saying I hate the dream sequences. In fact, they were truly interesting, except for the fact that I had to watch Elspeth figure things out that I had already half-guessed coming into the book.)
All nitpicking aside, I'm going to continue the series because I do feel at least some investment in this world and its residents. It's truly interesting to me how well this series does with a first person narrator, and I hope by the end it will stand as a good commentary on chosen one stories.
1. Show, don't tell: in short, this book doesn't do this. It's not as noticeable when it's masked by dialogue, but there are some parts of the story that just aren't convincing because Carmody doesn't "show" us much, if anything. The best example of this is Elspeth's "relationship" with Rushton. I wasn't convinced at the beginning of the book that she married him for any reason other than that the plot demanded it, and I'm still not convinced at the end. Just focusing on this book (not the events of Ashling which needed some improving), the author could have at least written some scenes of, say, Rushton and Elspeth hiking/swimming/generally hanging out together that could have convinced me that they genuinely enjoy eachother's company. No amount of "Rushton, my love/Elspeth, my love" convinces me more than that would. On a positive note, however, I did enjoy the twist in the middle of the book, and genuinely hope that it has consequences going forward in the series.
2. I'm convinced that Elspeth doesn't actually have character flaws. This goes back to the show don't tell thing. We hear from Elspeth again and again that she has a hard time connecting with people, and that she's restricted by how formally she's treated at Obernewtyn. Do we ever see any consequences of this? No. The idea is there, and it fits with Elspeth's character excellently, but there is no execution. It bothered me in this book more than the previous few because we see Elspeth interacting with people at Obernewtyn, and in charge of people, so with a few tweaks, she could have had real flaws! The whole Miryum/Straaka subplot could have been so much more intriguing if Elspeth didn't magically have a solution that works as a truce, but instead struggled with being the intermediary in a very emotion-ridden conflict. And she had the perfect opportunity to get smacked in the face for treating people like pawns and not people in the whole rebellion story arc! Instead we just get to see our protagonist, who could be a compelling character, be smart except for when the plot demands her to not notice something right in front of her face. It's disappointing.
3. (I lied about the length of the review! Ha! See how it feels?) This book is just generally fluffy, to the extent where I feel like it's artificially buffed up. It would have been more powerful if it were half to three quarters of its length, with less endless dream repetition. (I'm not saying I hate the dream sequences. In fact, they were truly interesting, except for the fact that I had to watch Elspeth figure things out that I had already half-guessed coming into the book.)
All nitpicking aside, I'm going to continue the series because I do feel at least some investment in this world and its residents. It's truly interesting to me how well this series does with a first person narrator, and I hope by the end it will stand as a good commentary on chosen one stories.
March 30, 2018
This book, the fourth installment of the Obernewtyn Chronicles, tells the tale of Elspeth as she is left in charge of Obernewtyn while her beloved, Rushton, goes to the lowlands to talk with the rebels. While she waits for Rushton, waits for the call of her destiny to destroy the Beforetimer, she runs the great hidden safehaven of the Misfits and waits for Dragon to wake from her slumber. But Dragon's slumber is affecting the dreams of the Misfits and a Dragon attacks Elspeth on the Dreamtrails - the one place she believes she can find the signs she must locate for her destined path. Then a kidnapping forces the Misfits to join the rebellion though they'd just decided it was no longer what they wanted. And, icing on the cake, the leader of the future teller guild says that she has seen a great disaster in but a few weeks time.
Well damn. This book is almost twice the size of the previous (and certainly twice the size of the first two), but let me tell you, it's not packed with fluff. No padding here.
As usual the world is so clear and beautifully rendered, you can see even more of the worldbuilding with each volume and there's so many factions and splinter groups of each group (eg/ the council the herders, even the gypsies) and we're slowly learning more and more about the herders too, as well as the mysterious land over the sea. I also loved the addition of the underwater technoguilders, basically scuba diving to check out underground buildings.
The characters are becoming more numerous and every now and again I'll mix someone up if they have a similar name. Not too frequently yet, but those more minor characters who pop up occasionally and both have names starting with 'M' or some such. However the more prominent cast are all clearly drawn and fun to hang around. In particular I loved Miryum and Straaka's interactions in this book - though I really wish I'd been able to see more of their actual interactions which lead to her final action in his regard (being vague to avoid spoilers sorry ;p ).
As I've said before, Carmody does not go easy on her characters, expect plenty of blows. A few of the twists were a little obvious to me and OMG, how did it take Elspeth this long to figure out the Ariel in your dreams is the real frigging Ariel? Seriously girl. I mean I get that in reality you might take a little while to cotton on to it, but you know about the dreamtrails, you know you're being guarded, and Ariel is showing up in his older form which you've never frigging seen. Then again, Elspeth has been established as being dense on occasions re: her feelings for Rushton ;p To be clear though, this is nowhere near a deal breaker for me book-wise.
With the rebellion, adventures on the dream trails, and underwater, and the final adventure with the dragon this book is action packed and emotive. Fans of the series are already in, I know, but this is a book you wouldn't want to miss anyway.
As a small sign-off note, I'm worried about Maruman. he's getting old and they're setting up things for his passing I know. I will cry my frigging eyes out when he dies, you know it.
Well damn. This book is almost twice the size of the previous (and certainly twice the size of the first two), but let me tell you, it's not packed with fluff. No padding here.
As usual the world is so clear and beautifully rendered, you can see even more of the worldbuilding with each volume and there's so many factions and splinter groups of each group (eg/ the council the herders, even the gypsies) and we're slowly learning more and more about the herders too, as well as the mysterious land over the sea. I also loved the addition of the underwater technoguilders, basically scuba diving to check out underground buildings.
The characters are becoming more numerous and every now and again I'll mix someone up if they have a similar name. Not too frequently yet, but those more minor characters who pop up occasionally and both have names starting with 'M' or some such. However the more prominent cast are all clearly drawn and fun to hang around. In particular I loved Miryum and Straaka's interactions in this book - though I really wish I'd been able to see more of their actual interactions which lead to her final action in his regard (being vague to avoid spoilers sorry ;p ).
As I've said before, Carmody does not go easy on her characters, expect plenty of blows. A few of the twists were a little obvious to me and OMG, how did it take Elspeth this long to figure out the Ariel in your dreams is the real frigging Ariel? Seriously girl. I mean I get that in reality you might take a little while to cotton on to it, but you know about the dreamtrails, you know you're being guarded, and Ariel is showing up in his older form which you've never frigging seen. Then again, Elspeth has been established as being dense on occasions re: her feelings for Rushton ;p To be clear though, this is nowhere near a deal breaker for me book-wise.
With the rebellion, adventures on the dream trails, and underwater, and the final adventure with the dragon this book is action packed and emotive. Fans of the series are already in, I know, but this is a book you wouldn't want to miss anyway.
As a small sign-off note, I'm worried about Maruman. he's getting old and they're setting up things for his passing I know. I will cry my frigging eyes out when he dies, you know it.
June 3, 2020
I knew at some point I was going to have to give a book in this series 5 stars for how much I rave about it. Once again, I’ll keep this short and sweet for how much longer can I compliment this series? (Answer: FOREVER)
- The main character is strong but easily tells the reader her fears (she knows her purpose but she is still wary of it all, but in the end she will do all she can to save those she loves)
- The story is extremely well thought out with incredible twists (I can’t see any plot holes and everything is shown from book one)
- The pace is amazing, I’m never bored, there’s never too much happening or not enough
- The writing is incredible and easily understood
- When carmody speaks of the “beforetime” it is so freaking intriguing
- The whole story makes you perceive the world differently
(This review ended up not being “short and sweet”😅)
Other things that I love is that this story is so advanced for its time.
There is talk about the way the “beforetimers” creating a world of pollution and how it caused their death. This post-apocalyptic take is jarring because we are the “beforetimers” so it makes you take a step back and look at yourself.
The characters are all vegetarian as a show that they perceive animals are on the same level as humans and I seriously cannot express how much I appreciate this small but significant take. (Plus the way the food is described makes me drool🤤)
There is show of accepting people despite their appearances, experiences of domestic abuse, neglect, harmful relationships and so much more. THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL. It’s so refreshing to read of characters who go through hardships that are common now, carmody writes so wonderfully and is extremely exclusive that it makes this story so easy to read as I agree with all of Elspeth’s opinions.
It is also realistic in the way that prejudices are shown, people don’t start to immediately like Elspeth and still hold harsh injustices against mistfits. It’s an advanced show that no matter all the minority does for the majority, they will be judged, and I think this is great because it’s realistic and gets you to feel angry and sympathetic for the mistfits
The story is so well thought out, usually by the fourth book in a series I’m thinking “this all could have been solved in book two” but for this series I can’t imagine it ending in only three more books! The whole plot is so big but so intriguing and I can’t book these books down!
If you look at my review of the very first book you will see that it took me longer than a month to finish (or rather I started it and then put it down without picking it up until last week) and now I’m reading these books in one to three days!! I CANNOT GET ENOUGH! I think this series is one of my favourites and I’m petrified to finish it and I’m scared I won’t like the ending, but for now, I will defend this series with all I have for I cannot help but fall for it❤️
- The main character is strong but easily tells the reader her fears (she knows her purpose but she is still wary of it all, but in the end she will do all she can to save those she loves)
- The story is extremely well thought out with incredible twists (I can’t see any plot holes and everything is shown from book one)
- The pace is amazing, I’m never bored, there’s never too much happening or not enough
- The writing is incredible and easily understood
- When carmody speaks of the “beforetime” it is so freaking intriguing
- The whole story makes you perceive the world differently
(This review ended up not being “short and sweet”😅)
Other things that I love is that this story is so advanced for its time.
There is talk about the way the “beforetimers” creating a world of pollution and how it caused their death. This post-apocalyptic take is jarring because we are the “beforetimers” so it makes you take a step back and look at yourself.
The characters are all vegetarian as a show that they perceive animals are on the same level as humans and I seriously cannot express how much I appreciate this small but significant take. (Plus the way the food is described makes me drool🤤)
There is show of accepting people despite their appearances, experiences of domestic abuse, neglect, harmful relationships and so much more. THIS BOOK HAS IT ALL. It’s so refreshing to read of characters who go through hardships that are common now, carmody writes so wonderfully and is extremely exclusive that it makes this story so easy to read as I agree with all of Elspeth’s opinions.
It is also realistic in the way that prejudices are shown, people don’t start to immediately like Elspeth and still hold harsh injustices against mistfits. It’s an advanced show that no matter all the minority does for the majority, they will be judged, and I think this is great because it’s realistic and gets you to feel angry and sympathetic for the mistfits
The story is so well thought out, usually by the fourth book in a series I’m thinking “this all could have been solved in book two” but for this series I can’t imagine it ending in only three more books! The whole plot is so big but so intriguing and I can’t book these books down!
If you look at my review of the very first book you will see that it took me longer than a month to finish (or rather I started it and then put it down without picking it up until last week) and now I’m reading these books in one to three days!! I CANNOT GET ENOUGH! I think this series is one of my favourites and I’m petrified to finish it and I’m scared I won’t like the ending, but for now, I will defend this series with all I have for I cannot help but fall for it❤️
September 15, 2021
This one definitely has 'middle-book-in-the-series' drag. In typical Carmody fashion, the novel is incredibly long and dense... and it suffers for it.
On the one hand, I loved the detailed worldbuilding and full immersion and capacity for pure escapism. We get to see the everyday life of Obernewtyn and the Misfits there, experiencing everything through Elsepth as she stands in as Master of Obernewtyn. We are slowly fed clues about the Beforetime and Elspeth's quest to destroy the weaponmachines. But on the other hand, the first half of The Keeping Place is a sour disappointment after the action-packed thrill of Ashling— which, while almost as long, never feels lengthy.
Once you persevere through the first half, though, the thrill of the series returns. I feel much the same about this novel as I did rereading The Farseekers. If you are patient with a slow start, it pays off.
There are delightful shocks and twists near the end. The seeds that were slowly, carefully planted by Carmody in the first half of the novel come to full bloom.
I had forgotten almost all of what happens and it was fun to relive this part of the series! I appreciate the complexity as we learn of more places beyond the Land and other groups of people, and how Carmody weaves in characters of different ethnicities. When it comes to the life of Kasanda/Cassy/Cassandra, I feel that the chaotic complexity of the series is starting to show and fray—but all-in-all, Carmody balances so many threads and mysteries and flashbacks with incredible skill.
Apart from the incredibly slow start, my only other qualm was the romance between Elspeth and Rushton. I feel that their attraction to each other doesn't really make much sense, and we didn't get to see any chemistry or believable groundwork to bring them together. (I understand some of this lack of development is because they meet when Elspeth's 14 and Rushton's 19... so it would've been kinda ick if their romance started in earnest earlier.) Elspeth's longing for Rushton in his absence felt like so much unnecessary filler to me.
I was shocked by Rushton's plight. However, I would've been more affected by it if I felt his connection with Elspeth to be more firm and developed. I can only hope Carmody does more legwork with their relationship in future sequels.
As always, I can never detach my childhood nostalgia of this series from my current reread. I loved every bit of rediscovering this installment—even the extraordinary long, quotidian first half!
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On the one hand, I loved the detailed worldbuilding and full immersion and capacity for pure escapism. We get to see the everyday life of Obernewtyn and the Misfits there, experiencing everything through Elsepth as she stands in as Master of Obernewtyn. We are slowly fed clues about the Beforetime and Elspeth's quest to destroy the weaponmachines. But on the other hand, the first half of The Keeping Place is a sour disappointment after the action-packed thrill of Ashling— which, while almost as long, never feels lengthy.
Once you persevere through the first half, though, the thrill of the series returns. I feel much the same about this novel as I did rereading The Farseekers. If you are patient with a slow start, it pays off.
There are delightful shocks and twists near the end. The seeds that were slowly, carefully planted by Carmody in the first half of the novel come to full bloom.
I had forgotten almost all of what happens and it was fun to relive this part of the series! I appreciate the complexity as we learn of more places beyond the Land and other groups of people, and how Carmody weaves in characters of different ethnicities. When it comes to the life of Kasanda/Cassy/Cassandra, I feel that the chaotic complexity of the series is starting to show and fray—but all-in-all, Carmody balances so many threads and mysteries and flashbacks with incredible skill.
Apart from the incredibly slow start, my only other qualm was the romance between Elspeth and Rushton. I feel that their attraction to each other doesn't really make much sense, and we didn't get to see any chemistry or believable groundwork to bring them together. (I understand some of this lack of development is because they meet when Elspeth's 14 and Rushton's 19... so it would've been kinda ick if their romance started in earnest earlier.) Elspeth's longing for Rushton in his absence felt like so much unnecessary filler to me.
I was shocked by Rushton's plight. However, I would've been more affected by it if I felt his connection with Elspeth to be more firm and developed. I can only hope Carmody does more legwork with their relationship in future sequels.
As always, I can never detach my childhood nostalgia of this series from my current reread. I loved every bit of rediscovering this installment—even the extraordinary long, quotidian first half!
Book Blog | Writer Website | Twitter | Instagram
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