24 October 2008

The Heir Series BY Cinda Williams Chima

I have read a lot of books this year, good ones even, but this series is the best I have read all year. Yes, it was even better than the new Sisterchicks book and you all KNOW how I love them! After I read all three of these heir books, I had the absolute pleasure to meet Cinda herself. I look forward to her future works! Here are my reviews for all to enjoy, i hope...

THE WARRIOR HEIR
I absolutely loved this book! Upon reading the description, I thought here we go with another Harry Potter type story. You know what I mean, young boy finds out he has abilities and there is a whole other world out there that needs him to use those abilities, etc. I started reading this and was immediately hooked. Of course, the genealogical direction it took had everything to do with my fascination. I did find the book a little bit predictable. I think every teenager would love to have an Aunt Linda in their lives! I loved how even the genealogical aspect was brought full circle. My favorite quotes: pg 60: "Weird is good, strange is bad," Fitch always said. Jack felt better. pg 254: "Just remember who you are, Jack, the old man said. "The world will try to change you into someone else. Don't let them. That's the best advice anyone can give you." pg 420: "More and more, there were no revelations, but simply the uncovering truths long known but dimly remembered. Everything had been written long ago. There was nothing truly new in the world, but only the slow, circular march of time that revealed the old things once again."

THE WIZARD HEIR:
I felt the first in the series ended in a way that didn't leave a ton open for a sequel. As I started this one, I did find that is continued from the first one beautifully. There was not as much focus on genealogy, and no research really involved. This one focused on "weirbooks" which is ones Weir genealogy, so it was still interesting in that way. I loved the storyline following private schools. I think the author did a wonderful job of capturing the teenage struggles and views. Especially given the added stress of being 'orphaned'! It kept me very intrigued the entire time. Also, I love the nickname of "Seph" as I had not heard that one before. I did find one funny quote given a recent popular series....pg. 395: "What were you thinking...taking up with a vampire who sucks magic from innocent wizards?" You will have to read the book to find out what that comment is all about!

THE DRAGON HEIR:
The Wizard Heir left huge openings for this sequel, and (for now) final installment of The Heir Series! Again, no genealogical research and not even a big focus on weirbooks and such. BUT this one did focus on relationships as they are, now and in the past! With multiple generations playing their part in trying to save the Weir World, EVERYONE had something to do. Most of the responsibility fell upon the youngest generation to fight this great battle. You will have to read it to find out how it all ends and exactly who survives on ALL sides of the battle! I think the author did a wonderful job of letting the reader know and remember that although there is this whole Weir World with all of its powers, the characters are just human with all that entails. I do feel that the book ended well with slight openings and possibilities for future additions to this great series! For more information on this author and her works, visit her website: www.cindachima.com! A couple of quotes that caught my attention: pg 297: "Bats fluttered like black handkerchiefs among the trees at the edge of the clearing." AND pg 444:"There he hung silently like a bat in a cave..." It should be obvious why I like these quotes, but if you must, you can ask me.

2 comments:

Melinda said...

That sounds like an interesting series. I like that you put quotes in your book reviews.

watsit2u said...

Thank you. Sometimes I wonder what others think. It just seems that most every book I read there is something in there for me, in some way!