Published by: Amazon Digital, April 10th 2013
Genre: YA, High Fantasy
Pages: 265
Format: ebook
Source: All Night Reads via Netgalley (so sorry for the delay)
Seventeen-year-old Ciardis has grown up in poverty, a cleaner in a small vale on the outskirts of the empire. But beneath her empire’s seemingly idyllic surface lies a hidden secret. Whispers of an inept crown Prince are growing ever louder—intensified by the five year anniversary of the soulbond initiations.
Amidst scandalous whispers, Ciardis finds herself chosen to train for the Companion’s Guild. She leaves her home and sets off on a personal journey to become a Court Companion. A position she’d never thought possible for a lowly servant to obtain, she must prove that she has the skills to attract a Patron.
But she must master those skills quickly. If the legends are true, only Ciardis can harness the power to raise a Prince in an Imperial Court sworn to bring him down.
This sensational series debut melds intricate storylines with remarkable characters and unforgettable magic. Sworn To Raise is ideal for fans of Kristin Cashore, Michelle Sagara, and Maria Snyder.
Seventeen-year-old Ciardis has grown up in poverty, a cleaner in a small vale on the outskirts of the empire. But beneath her empire’s seemingly idyllic surface lies a hidden secret. Whispers of an inept crown Prince are growing ever louder—intensified by the five year anniversary of the soulbond initiations.
Amidst scandalous whispers, Ciardis finds herself chosen to train for the Companion’s Guild. She leaves her home and sets off on a personal journey to become a Court Companion. A position she’d never thought possible for a lowly servant to obtain, she must prove that she has the skills to attract a Patron.
But she must master those skills quickly. If the legends are true, only Ciardis can harness the power to raise a Prince in an Imperial Court sworn to bring him down.
This sensational series debut melds intricate storylines with remarkable characters and unforgettable magic. Sworn To Raise is ideal for fans of Kristin Cashore, Michelle Sagara, and Maria Snyder.
Why did I wait to long to read this? Short answer: it got buried under a tonne of books on my ereader. Long answer: I kept overlooking it because I'm a dumbass and judgemental of self published books, regardless of being a self pubbed author myself. I mentioned I was a dumbass, right?
Sworn To Raise is about a girl, Ciardis, who is taken from her ordinary life as a poor washerwoman, and elevated to life as a Companion, a life partner to a rich and powerful suitor. Along the way she discovers a conspiracy to unseat the Prince of her land from his position, a powerful magic that she is due to inherit, and unexpected friendships.
It doesn't sound like much when I say it like that, but this book is wonderful, truly. Ciardis is a very authentic character - she's emotional, she's strong, she's caring and kind and willing to help just about anyone. And more than anything else, I think, she wants what is best for herself and isn't afraid to make her own future. I like her a lot, and I never expected to.
My favourite thing about Sworn to Raise is how the magic and abilities are all tied up in the politics of the realm. I love the subterfuge and the building dissent, and I look forward to seeing how Ciardis and the Prince will deal with this in future books.
This book is a delight, and I recommend it to all fans of high fantasy, strong characters, original stories, and sparkling magic.
Characters ★★★★☆
Setting/world building ★★★★☆
Writing Style ★★★★☆
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