Talyn: A Novel of Korre

For three hundred years, a war has waged between the Eastil Kingdom and the land of the Tonk. For three hundred years, Talyn and other young Tonks possessing magical skills have been drafted into this horrible war. And for three hundred years, both lands have suffered great losses with no hope of resolution in sight. Until now...

When Feegash diplomats arrive on the scene offering peace to the feuding nations, Talyn finds the thought downright laughable. But soon, even the most hard-core soldiers are turning in their uniforms and laying down their weapons as both sides concede to a peace treaty. Talyn finds herself out of work, with only her skills as a jeweler to keep coins in her pocket. Her beautiful work attracts the attention of Feegash diplomat Skirmig, and before long, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the mysterious stranger. And then she meets Gair, an Eastil prisoner-of-war who has been horribly abused and forgotten since the signing of the peace treaty. With his help, she begins to learn that peace can be worse than the most horrible war imaginable. Together, two enemies must learn to trust only each other if they are to save their people.

Told in alternating first and third person dialogue, Talyn can be a very intimidating novel in the beginning stages. Once the reader grips the baseline of the story however, I can promise they will be ensnared until the very last page. Ms. Lisle has created an extremely complex book, with intricate detailing down to the very finest points. It is hard enough creating one land and one people, but yet, the author has created three, all of which are equally developed. Readers won't feel like they are looking in on Talyn from a distance. Instead, they will be pulled inside her head, traveling deep within her psyche as she faces one obstacle after another. They will feel her heartbreak at turning her back on everything and everyone she has ever known and loved and feel her conflict over learning how to trust an enemy with her life. They will feel her joy, weep for her, and cheer at her successes. Fantasy lovers rejoice; we've found a definite winner. Talyn is by far, in my humble opinion, the best book of the year. Final words of advice - don’t rush, but savor each and every word. Books this good don't come around that often.

Reviewed by: Jennifer M.