*** Thank you
Inspired Quill for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Just the facts:Overall Rating: 3 Stars
Addiction Level: I read it when I had spare time. (I ignored the hubby and puppies during the last few chapters.)
Believe-ability: The setting is believable.
I was looking for a different read when the opportunity to read The Wysman by Dorothy Winsor came up. I was intrigued by a differently abled protagonist, so I said to yes to the book!
What I liked:
• Jarka is an unlikely protagonist, because he is a street kid with a lame foot
who uses a crutch. This reminds me of Peadar Ó Guilín's The Call where the
protagonist uses crutches.
• I enjoyed the mystery she presented. There were enough clues to for the
reader to solve it first or enjoy Jarka’s discovery of the truth.
• Winsor does a good job of developing the characters and playing with “Don’t
judge a book by its cover.” Because of his disability and life circumstances,
Jarka is able to see people’s true nature.
• Ellyn is one of the overseers of the children’s refuge, and she carries a
knife on her belt. I love this fierceness of her character and that Jarka
admires her for it too.
• A Wysman’s job is to advise the king. In Adrya and Jarka’s discussions, the
reader can see the tension between doing what is best for the whole kingdom vs
the individual. Winsor also raises the question of duty vs happiness. Can
anyone have both? Lyssa marries Clovyan to provide for her daughter, yet her
husband is a monster. Prince Beran and Lineth want to marry, but marrying off
Lineth would create a valuable ally for the kingdom.
• The ending was satisfactory as the wrong-doers must live with the
consequences of their actions as doled out by the Powers.
• The following passage reminds me of finding the good in tribulation. What
might seem as a curse can often be a blessing as circumstances create growth and
bring blessings. “I had a sudden, vivid memory of my mother telling me my
crooked foot was a gift from the Powers, a challenge that would make me a
deeper person who saw the world more truly. I could read the wind, compensation
from the Powers for what they’d withheld. I wondered if I could persuade Lineth
to see her father’s treachery as a gift. It was a gift for the kids at the
refuge, for sure.”
What I disliked:
• I believed Jarka was a distrustful, street kid, but I did not believe he was
male.
• Winsor did a good job of developing the characters of Jarka, Lineth, and
Ellyn. Developing Adrya’s character would have added more fullness to the
story. It would be assumed that Adrya was trustworthy because Jarka was her
apprentice. Yet, there is constant tension. Is this because Jarka distrusts
everyone?
Final Thoughts:
• This was an interesting read. When I first started the book, I was intrigued
by some of the life questions Winsor explores. I found myself somewhat
impatient as the mystery seemed to spiral without an ending in sight. The last
few chapters were exciting, and I read it quickly. The ending was satisfactory
with room to expand or close the story.
1. The Sword of Summer
by Rick Riordan (4*)
2. Mortal Heart by
Robin LaFevers (4*)
3. Dumplin' by Julie
Murphy (3*)
4. Invaded by Melissa
Landers (3*)
5. Six of Crows by
Leigh Bardugo (3*)
1. Alienated by Melissa Landers (5*) – I enjoyed this book because it
made me laugh out loud. The storyline was interesting and different from what I
usually read.
2. The Falconer by Elizabeth May (5*) – This book was amazing!!!
3. Skink No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen (5*) – This book feature Skink,
a retired, believed-to-be-dead ex-governor vigilante, who saves and helps the
helpless. It was funny and also taught a lesson about the necessity of internet
safety and parents’ involvement.
4. Throne of Glass Series by Sarah Maas (4*) – The first book starts
off a little slow, but books three (Heir
of Fire) and four (Queen of Shadows)
quickly pick-up the pace and the story becomes more developed, and I, the
reader, became more invested. Maas builds an elaborate story world with evil
characters, weak characters who become strong, and characters who come into
their own and fight for what they believe is right. It is a good vs. evil (the
depths of the evil seem to have no end) story where I rooted for many
characters. It is a shame that I have to wait for the next two books!