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The Oracle Prophecies #1
The Oracle
In the distant land of deserts and islands, the servants of the god rule the land, his wishes conveyed through the Oracle and interpreted by the High Priestess. Mirany is the new Bearer, afraid of her perilous duties for the god in the rituals of the Oracle, and fearful of her secret questioning ...Does the god truly exist? The priestess is corrupt and in secret partnership with the General, ruler, since the God-on-Earth, the Archon, has no real power - chosen as a child, his face always masked, never seen by outsiders. Should any national tragedy occur, he is also the sacrifice. When the old Archon dies, his spirit migrates into a child, and there are several candidates for succession. But Mirany begins to experience the real visions of the god, discovers which child is the rightful heir, and that the General and High Priestess intend to choose another child and seize power. With only a tomb-robbing scribe and a mad musician for allies, Mirany begins her quest - knowing that, if she is betrayed, her fate will be to be walled up alive in the Archon's tomb ...
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
37 people are currently reading
2095 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Fisher
79 books1,603 followersCatherine Fisher was born in Newport, Wales. She graduated from the University of Wales with a degree in English and a fascination for myth and history. She has worked in education and archaeology and as a lecturer in creative writing at the University of Glamorgan. She is a Fellow of the Welsh Academy.
Catherine is an acclaimed poet and novelist, regularly lecturing and giving readings to groups of all ages. She leads sessions for teachers and librarians and is an experienced broadcaster and adjudicator. She lives in Newport, Gwent.
Catherine has won many awards and much critical acclaim for her work. Her poetry has appeared in leading periodicals and anthologies and her volume Immrama won the WAC Young Writers' Prize. She won the Cardiff International Poetry Competition in 1990.
Her first novel, The Conjuror's Game, was shortlisted for the Smarties Books prize and The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Award. Equally acclaimed is her quartet The Book of the Crow, a classic of fantasy fiction.
The Oracle, the first volume in the Oracle trilogy, blends Egyptian and Greek elements of magic and adventure and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Books prize. The trilogy was an international bestseller and has appeared in over twenty languages. The Candleman won the Welsh Books Council's Tir Na n'Og Prize and Catherine was also shortlisted for the remarkable Corbenic, a modern re-inventing of the Grail legend.
Her futuristic novel Incarceron was published to widespread praise in 2007, winning the Mythopoeic Society of America's Children's Fiction Award and selected by The Times as its Children's Book of the Year. The sequel, Sapphique, was published in September 2008.
Catherine is an acclaimed poet and novelist, regularly lecturing and giving readings to groups of all ages. She leads sessions for teachers and librarians and is an experienced broadcaster and adjudicator. She lives in Newport, Gwent.
Catherine has won many awards and much critical acclaim for her work. Her poetry has appeared in leading periodicals and anthologies and her volume Immrama won the WAC Young Writers' Prize. She won the Cardiff International Poetry Competition in 1990.
Her first novel, The Conjuror's Game, was shortlisted for the Smarties Books prize and The Snow-Walker's Son for the W.H.Smith Award. Equally acclaimed is her quartet The Book of the Crow, a classic of fantasy fiction.
The Oracle, the first volume in the Oracle trilogy, blends Egyptian and Greek elements of magic and adventure and was shortlisted for the Whitbread Children's Books prize. The trilogy was an international bestseller and has appeared in over twenty languages. The Candleman won the Welsh Books Council's Tir Na n'Og Prize and Catherine was also shortlisted for the remarkable Corbenic, a modern re-inventing of the Grail legend.
Her futuristic novel Incarceron was published to widespread praise in 2007, winning the Mythopoeic Society of America's Children's Fiction Award and selected by The Times as its Children's Book of the Year. The sequel, Sapphique, was published in September 2008.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 17, 2019
Güzeldi ama birşeyler eksikti.
April 16, 2011
The Oracle Betrayed sat in my tbr pile for about three years. Finally, last weekend, I brushed the dust from it (note to self: dust tbr pile more often), and actually read it.
And it was really, really good.
It takes place in an ancient Greek kind of place, where a young girl, Mirany, is one of chosen Nine who serve the Oracle. Her land is dying from drought...but though the Archon, the god-king, gives his life as a sacrifice, the drought continues.
Mirany can hear the god speaking through the Oracle. He has been reborn, and must be found. But the Oracle has been betrayed. The Speaker, most powerful of the nine servants of the Oracle, plots to install a puppet in the Archon's palace; a scheming general hungers for power. And the rain, a goddess in her own right, seems farther away then ever.
It's up to Mirany, with some unlikely allies close at hand, and the voice of the god (not always helpful) in her ear, to bring back balance...but the layers of treachery run deep, and even the brightest god has a shadow...
That's the gist of the story. I hope I made it sound enticing. Here's the breakdown of what you get:
1. Likable, believable heroine (not preternaturally brave or smart or sassy, and with no special Magical Abilities Through Which She Saves Everyone!!! She does hear the voice of the god, but that's not really due to her own specialness)
2. Nicely done archaic-Greek-type world building (although too sandy, perhaps, to be entirely Greek. Maybe a tad more Egyptian than Greek, environment-wise).
3. Cool deities
4. Engaging supporting characters
5. Utterly absorbing writing
6. Lots of scorpions (not necessarily a bonus feature)
Here's what I'm looking forward too--reading the second and third books (The Sphere of Secrets and Day of the Scarab).
This is the same Catherine Fisher of Incarceron fame, which, if you've read that, should give you some idea of the intricate twisty-ness of her storytelling. This is much more straightforward, but still complex--we, the readers, learn what's going on as Mirany does, which I appreciate.
There's nothing here that's not suitable for an upper middle grade reader--a little violence, a few scorpions, a touch of grave robbing, human sacrifice (tastefully done, in an understated way). But it's complex enough to be a satisfying read for a much older reader (that would be me).
And it was really, really good.
It takes place in an ancient Greek kind of place, where a young girl, Mirany, is one of chosen Nine who serve the Oracle. Her land is dying from drought...but though the Archon, the god-king, gives his life as a sacrifice, the drought continues.
Mirany can hear the god speaking through the Oracle. He has been reborn, and must be found. But the Oracle has been betrayed. The Speaker, most powerful of the nine servants of the Oracle, plots to install a puppet in the Archon's palace; a scheming general hungers for power. And the rain, a goddess in her own right, seems farther away then ever.
It's up to Mirany, with some unlikely allies close at hand, and the voice of the god (not always helpful) in her ear, to bring back balance...but the layers of treachery run deep, and even the brightest god has a shadow...
That's the gist of the story. I hope I made it sound enticing. Here's the breakdown of what you get:
1. Likable, believable heroine (not preternaturally brave or smart or sassy, and with no special Magical Abilities Through Which She Saves Everyone!!! She does hear the voice of the god, but that's not really due to her own specialness)
2. Nicely done archaic-Greek-type world building (although too sandy, perhaps, to be entirely Greek. Maybe a tad more Egyptian than Greek, environment-wise).
3. Cool deities
4. Engaging supporting characters
5. Utterly absorbing writing
6. Lots of scorpions (not necessarily a bonus feature)
Here's what I'm looking forward too--reading the second and third books (The Sphere of Secrets and Day of the Scarab).
This is the same Catherine Fisher of Incarceron fame, which, if you've read that, should give you some idea of the intricate twisty-ness of her storytelling. This is much more straightforward, but still complex--we, the readers, learn what's going on as Mirany does, which I appreciate.
There's nothing here that's not suitable for an upper middle grade reader--a little violence, a few scorpions, a touch of grave robbing, human sacrifice (tastefully done, in an understated way). But it's complex enough to be a satisfying read for a much older reader (that would be me).
May 1, 2011
So this was an awesome book! I didn't think it would be so great - I mean, check out the cover! But it exceeded my expectations! I've noticed that about books I read - if I expect less of it initially, but it turns out to be better, I give it a high rating. Likewise, if I thought the book would be awesome but it sucks, I give it a low rating. I don't think I'll change that - if you're supposed to be good and aren't, that's your problem; and if you don't seem to be good but really are kudos for you!
Throughout the book, I have to say that I was searching for signs of Mirany X Seth. I'm sorry, but I can't go without romance - it's just a (surprising) part of me! Anyway, although they never really say it, let's just say I wasn't disappointed. Much.
Okay - to the important things. I loved how different this book was, especially in terms of mythology and all that. If she looked it up, it was a good choice - so much to build upon! I'm leaning to the side that she made it up, though - and in that case, a huge WELL DONE. The whole belief in the gods and the Archon and even the shadow were all really intricate - I loved how it all connected in the end. The story moved along pretty well, too - I read it all in almost one sitting! The characters are all lovable, especially Seth (lovable indeed)!
Another thing? I didn't know that this book was by the same person who wrote Incarceron. I mean, I LOVED that book! I was just looking at the author and thinking, "Hmm, I wonder..." and, well, I was right! Wow - no wonder it was good, huh? Anyway, I guess that makes it even more of a must-read. It's not much like Incarceron, though - I'm assuming it's set in the past, an alternate universe? It's not much like books I really read, but totally worth it - give it a try, guys! It's a series, too - there are more books, which I'm off to find!!
Throughout the book, I have to say that I was searching for signs of Mirany X Seth. I'm sorry, but I can't go without romance - it's just a (surprising) part of me! Anyway, although they never really say it, let's just say I wasn't disappointed. Much.
Okay - to the important things. I loved how different this book was, especially in terms of mythology and all that. If she looked it up, it was a good choice - so much to build upon! I'm leaning to the side that she made it up, though - and in that case, a huge WELL DONE. The whole belief in the gods and the Archon and even the shadow were all really intricate - I loved how it all connected in the end. The story moved along pretty well, too - I read it all in almost one sitting! The characters are all lovable, especially Seth (lovable indeed)!
Another thing? I didn't know that this book was by the same person who wrote Incarceron. I mean, I LOVED that book! I was just looking at the author and thinking, "Hmm, I wonder..." and, well, I was right! Wow - no wonder it was good, huh? Anyway, I guess that makes it even more of a must-read. It's not much like Incarceron, though - I'm assuming it's set in the past, an alternate universe? It's not much like books I really read, but totally worth it - give it a try, guys! It's a series, too - there are more books, which I'm off to find!!
February 17, 2018
Проста, але гармонійна суміш міфологій Нового Світу та Близького і Далекого Сходу, що виливається у рефлексійний та дуже атмосферний дитліт. Тут вам і релігійні інтриги, і підняття питання віри, і класова нерівність, і образність, образність, образність.
Шкода лише, що розмах тут доволі слабенький, відчувається деяка "штучність" через обмеженість у описі локацій та кількості тих локацій. Все, що ми знаємо, змальовано короткими у одне речення характеристиками, які лише можемо співвідносити із мапою на початку книги.
Шкода лише, що розмах тут доволі слабенький, відчувається деяка "штучність" через обмеженість у описі локацій та кількості тих локацій. Все, що ми знаємо, змальовано короткими у одне речення характеристиками, які лише можемо співвідносити із мапою на початку книги.
May 24, 2015
Mısır kültürü ve Catherine Fisher??????
EVET
EVET
May 26, 2023
Şu sıralar hayatımın gidişatından kaynaklı, kitaplara daha çok sarılma ihtiyacı hissediyorum. Kitapların iyileştirici gücüne her zaman inanan biri olarak; bizlere her anlamda iyi geldiğini düşünüyorum. Bunu deneyimlemeye bile gerek yok, sadece uygulamak yeterli bence. Fakat böyle bir dönemde kendimi çok da zorlamak istemediğimden; kolay okunan, akıcı ve mümkünse fantastik-macera tarzı kitaplardan seçmek istedim kendime. Kitaplığıma baktığımda ise Oracle Prophecies adı verilen, Türkçe'ye belki Kahin'in Kehanetleri diye çevirebileceğimiz(ki serinin adı Türkçe'ye çevrilmemiş) bir seriyi gözüme kestirdim. Çok da uzun zaman sayılmayacak bir zamanda kitaplığıma kazandırdığım bu serinin ilk kitabı olan Kahin'i ise bu ayki okumalarıma bu şekilde dahil ettim. Yazarı ilk defa okumuş oldum bu sayede de.
Kitap, fantastik ve maceranın birbirine harmanlandığı fakat altyapısında da mitolojik unsurlar içeren kurgusal bir dünyada geçiyor. Bana daha çok Mısır Mitoloji'sini anımsatan bir dünyaya sahip bu evrende Mirany isminde bir kız var, bu kız bir Taşıyıcı. Dokuz tane evden oluşan kutsal bir yer var ve buranın sonunda Anchor adı verilen, kutsal olduğunan inanılan; bazı cephelerce Tanrı olarak görülürken, bazılarınca da Tanrı'nın elçisi gibi hissedilen biri yaşıyor. Bu Anchor bir rütbe, ölünce başka birisi geçiyor fakat bedenen ölse de ruhun bedenden bedene geçtiğine inanılıyor. Bu dokuz evde Dokuzlar denilen de bir tarikatımsı topluluk var. Bunların içinde onlarla çalışan Mirany'nin görevi ise bu eğitimlere vs katılıp sıradaki Anchor'u taşımak ve onu hedefine ulaştırmak. Fakat ortada bir sorun var, yeni Anchor kim? Burada Mirany'nin imdadına yollarının kesiştiği Seth ve Oblek isimli adamlar yetişiyor. Bir yerden sonra kaderleri bağlanan bu insanlar, birlikte çalışarak gerçek Anchor'u bulup, arka planda Dokuzları da aralarına alan ve içerden bir isyan çıkartmaya çalışarak kendini Anchor ilan etmek isteyen başkalarına karşı direniş gösteriyor. Biz de onlarla beraber başından başlayarak gerçek Anchor'u bulmaya ve içerde ortalığı karıştırmaya çalışan diğer insanlara karşı da karakterlerimizin neler yaptığına tanıklık ediyoruz ve bu şekilde ilerliyoruz.
Kitap oldukça kolay okunan ve akıcı bir eserdi. Genç yetişkin kategorisine giriyor sanırım fakat içerisindeki mistik hava, mitolojik altyapılar belki genç yetişkin yaş grubuna giren insanları sıkabilir fakat herhangi bir sıkıntılı durum yok yaş sınırı gerektirecek. Bunun dışında sürükleyiciliğini fena bulmadım fakat bu sürükleyicilik son yüz sayfaya kadar olması gerektiği gibi de değildi. Böyle atmosfere sahip bir kitabın bana kalırsa başından beri okuru yakalaması gerekirdi. Ben ise kim kimdir, neden bu olaylar oluyor; falan karakterin yeri bu hikayede nedir, gibi sorulardan dolayı kitaba adapte olma konusunda biraz geç kaldım. Burada ise hoşuma gitmeyen bir durum var. Yazar olaya hatta kitaba damdan düşer gibi giriyor. Şak diye birden bir şeyler oluyor ve siz anında o ortama ışınlanmışsınız gibi bir durumla karşı karşıya kalıyorsunuz kitabı okurken. Ben hatta birden "Acaba serinin ikinci kitabını falan mı elime aldım?" diye düşündüm ama baktım ki ilk kitapmış. Bu durum benim kitaba çok zor adapte olmama sebebiyet verdi ki başta da dediğim gibi böyle akıcı unsurlara sahip, kolay okunan bir kitaba ilk sayfalardan adapte olmak mümkün bir şey ama yazar bu noktada bunu çok başaramamış bence. Dünyayı, olayları çok üstünkörü anlatıyor; neyi neden okuduğunuzu, olayların neden gerçekleştiğini çok anlamlandıramıyorsunuz. Aslında altyapısı, karakterleri, yazarın dili falan güzel bir kitap fakat işlenişte sıkıntı var. Umarım bu sıkıntı ikinci ve üçüncü kitaplarda olmaz; öbür kitapların daha güzel olduğunu yazan bir iki yorum da gördüm internette.
Kafa dağıtmak için alıp okumaya başladığım bu kitap son yüz sayfaya kadar çok da kafamı dağıtmasa da bence potansiyeli olan ama o potansiyeli çok da gösterememiş bir kitap. Bir seri olduğu için negatif düşünmeyeceğim, olumlu ve olumsuz yönlerini tartıp biçince şimdilik ortalama bir kitap olduğunu düşünüyorum. Seriye devam edeceğim.
Kitap, fantastik ve maceranın birbirine harmanlandığı fakat altyapısında da mitolojik unsurlar içeren kurgusal bir dünyada geçiyor. Bana daha çok Mısır Mitoloji'sini anımsatan bir dünyaya sahip bu evrende Mirany isminde bir kız var, bu kız bir Taşıyıcı. Dokuz tane evden oluşan kutsal bir yer var ve buranın sonunda Anchor adı verilen, kutsal olduğunan inanılan; bazı cephelerce Tanrı olarak görülürken, bazılarınca da Tanrı'nın elçisi gibi hissedilen biri yaşıyor. Bu Anchor bir rütbe, ölünce başka birisi geçiyor fakat bedenen ölse de ruhun bedenden bedene geçtiğine inanılıyor. Bu dokuz evde Dokuzlar denilen de bir tarikatımsı topluluk var. Bunların içinde onlarla çalışan Mirany'nin görevi ise bu eğitimlere vs katılıp sıradaki Anchor'u taşımak ve onu hedefine ulaştırmak. Fakat ortada bir sorun var, yeni Anchor kim? Burada Mirany'nin imdadına yollarının kesiştiği Seth ve Oblek isimli adamlar yetişiyor. Bir yerden sonra kaderleri bağlanan bu insanlar, birlikte çalışarak gerçek Anchor'u bulup, arka planda Dokuzları da aralarına alan ve içerden bir isyan çıkartmaya çalışarak kendini Anchor ilan etmek isteyen başkalarına karşı direniş gösteriyor. Biz de onlarla beraber başından başlayarak gerçek Anchor'u bulmaya ve içerde ortalığı karıştırmaya çalışan diğer insanlara karşı da karakterlerimizin neler yaptığına tanıklık ediyoruz ve bu şekilde ilerliyoruz.
Kitap oldukça kolay okunan ve akıcı bir eserdi. Genç yetişkin kategorisine giriyor sanırım fakat içerisindeki mistik hava, mitolojik altyapılar belki genç yetişkin yaş grubuna giren insanları sıkabilir fakat herhangi bir sıkıntılı durum yok yaş sınırı gerektirecek. Bunun dışında sürükleyiciliğini fena bulmadım fakat bu sürükleyicilik son yüz sayfaya kadar olması gerektiği gibi de değildi. Böyle atmosfere sahip bir kitabın bana kalırsa başından beri okuru yakalaması gerekirdi. Ben ise kim kimdir, neden bu olaylar oluyor; falan karakterin yeri bu hikayede nedir, gibi sorulardan dolayı kitaba adapte olma konusunda biraz geç kaldım. Burada ise hoşuma gitmeyen bir durum var. Yazar olaya hatta kitaba damdan düşer gibi giriyor. Şak diye birden bir şeyler oluyor ve siz anında o ortama ışınlanmışsınız gibi bir durumla karşı karşıya kalıyorsunuz kitabı okurken. Ben hatta birden "Acaba serinin ikinci kitabını falan mı elime aldım?" diye düşündüm ama baktım ki ilk kitapmış. Bu durum benim kitaba çok zor adapte olmama sebebiyet verdi ki başta da dediğim gibi böyle akıcı unsurlara sahip, kolay okunan bir kitaba ilk sayfalardan adapte olmak mümkün bir şey ama yazar bu noktada bunu çok başaramamış bence. Dünyayı, olayları çok üstünkörü anlatıyor; neyi neden okuduğunuzu, olayların neden gerçekleştiğini çok anlamlandıramıyorsunuz. Aslında altyapısı, karakterleri, yazarın dili falan güzel bir kitap fakat işlenişte sıkıntı var. Umarım bu sıkıntı ikinci ve üçüncü kitaplarda olmaz; öbür kitapların daha güzel olduğunu yazan bir iki yorum da gördüm internette.
Kafa dağıtmak için alıp okumaya başladığım bu kitap son yüz sayfaya kadar çok da kafamı dağıtmasa da bence potansiyeli olan ama o potansiyeli çok da gösterememiş bir kitap. Bir seri olduğu için negatif düşünmeyeceğim, olumlu ve olumsuz yönlerini tartıp biçince şimdilik ortalama bir kitap olduğunu düşünüyorum. Seriye devam edeceğim.
August 13, 2015
So I've tried Catherine Fisher's Incarceron before this book, and it didn't impress me all that much. This one was better, though it still didn't blow me away.
Summary
Mirany is one of the sacred nine priestesses that serve the scorpion god (he's never explicitly named). She serves as Bearer, meaning that she carries a bronze bowl containing the god in scorpion form during holy processions and rituals. The High Priestess, Hermia, hears the god's word through the oracle and interprets it. However, moments before his death, the Archon (the ruler and the human vessel for the god on earth) tells Mirany that Hermia is a fake who prophesies whatever is in her best interest, Mirany knows she must reveal the High Priestess' treachery and restore the oracle to its rightful holiness before a new puppet Archon is chosen.
Setting
A fantasy desert reminiscent of ancient Egypt/Greece/Mesopotamia/Babylon/Iran. There was a mixture of a little of each of these places' mythologies, history, and culture, which was pretty confusing.
Genre
Definitely fantasy, but also kinda sorta psuedo-historical fiction? Again, pretty unclear and confusing.
Characters
Mirany
Bearer-to-the-god, Mirany was hand-picked by Hermia to be a priestess for her quiet, timid nature. She figured that she'd be no trouble and wouldn't get in the way of the corruption in the temple. At first, I didn't like this girl. She was too shy, too boring, too afraid. I couldn't imagine how she could ever be interesting or set the plot in motion. However, by the end, I was thoroughly impressed by her development as a character. She went from easily frightened, mousy Mirany to a strong-willed, intelligent, and determined priestess worthy of my respect and admiration. She never waited for anyone to save her and took action herself. Truly an awesome female character.
Hermia
The High Priestess and interpreter of the god's oracle. She makes false prophecies and interpretations of the god's words to fit her and her secret lover's (Argelin, the general) agendas. When the current Archon starts questioning her, she pretends that the god wants a new Archon and that the current one must die in order to silence him. She plots with Argelin to pick an Archon they can bully and intimidate to do what they want. While she was absolutely wicked, Hermia, was intelligent and ambitious, and even sympathetic at times. She truly believes that the god speaks to her, and wants more than anything to have the freedom to do as she pleases. She just doesn't mind killing whoever gets in the way of her doing that.
Argelin
A general who manipulates Hermia into doing what he wants and schemes with her. He wants his nephew to be chosen as the next Archon and is basically an irredeemable bastard.
Seth
A cocky, handsome scribe who befriends Mirany and helps her (reluctantly at first) to find the real Archon. He's super sassy and snarky and had me rooting for him. However, I did like that he's not perfect. He has a temper, and can be selfish, rude, and self-serving. Still, he's got a good heart and a strong moral code.
Alexos
One of the most interesting characters in the book. He's a little boy from a poor, bad neighborhood. The god chooses him to be the next Archon. He speaks cryptically and with this slightly scary wisdom and omnipotence sometimes, and other times he speaks like a normal kid. He works miracles one minute, and plays with toys the next. Really complex and nuanced character.
Oblek
A fat, alcoholic musician and only friend to the late Archon. What with his bad attitude and anger issues, I hated him at first, but he definitely grew on me as the book went on. He reminded me a lot of Haymitch from The Hunger Games series, in that he was a drunk mentor who grows to actually care for his charges (in this case, Mirany and Seth). He's loyal and protective and funny.
Kreon
A mysterious albino janitor who is much more than he seems. Another of the most fascinating characters in the book. Keep your eyes on him.
Rhetia
Last but not least, we have Rhetia. Like Mirany, she's one of the nine priestesses of the god. I can't say too much about her for fear of spoiling anything, but I love her. She's sort of the antihero of the novel, and she's tough and strong and doesn't care what anyone says.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the mythology was great and the writing style, while not very engaging, was very lyrical and beautiful. The characters are all complex and nuanced, and none of them are perfect. There is no dearth of strong and interesting female characters, so that's cool. There is little to no romance in this book, so if that's your thing, go for it. Still, the setting and timeframe were confusing, and much of the first 2/3 of the book was really slow. All in all, I don't regret reading it, and I do plan on giving the sequel a chance. Still, I will probably not pick it up again.
Summary
Mirany is one of the sacred nine priestesses that serve the scorpion god (he's never explicitly named). She serves as Bearer, meaning that she carries a bronze bowl containing the god in scorpion form during holy processions and rituals. The High Priestess, Hermia, hears the god's word through the oracle and interprets it. However, moments before his death, the Archon (the ruler and the human vessel for the god on earth) tells Mirany that Hermia is a fake who prophesies whatever is in her best interest, Mirany knows she must reveal the High Priestess' treachery and restore the oracle to its rightful holiness before a new puppet Archon is chosen.
Setting
A fantasy desert reminiscent of ancient Egypt/Greece/Mesopotamia/Babylon/Iran. There was a mixture of a little of each of these places' mythologies, history, and culture, which was pretty confusing.
Genre
Definitely fantasy, but also kinda sorta psuedo-historical fiction? Again, pretty unclear and confusing.
Characters
Mirany
Bearer-to-the-god, Mirany was hand-picked by Hermia to be a priestess for her quiet, timid nature. She figured that she'd be no trouble and wouldn't get in the way of the corruption in the temple. At first, I didn't like this girl. She was too shy, too boring, too afraid. I couldn't imagine how she could ever be interesting or set the plot in motion. However, by the end, I was thoroughly impressed by her development as a character. She went from easily frightened, mousy Mirany to a strong-willed, intelligent, and determined priestess worthy of my respect and admiration. She never waited for anyone to save her and took action herself. Truly an awesome female character.
Hermia
The High Priestess and interpreter of the god's oracle. She makes false prophecies and interpretations of the god's words to fit her and her secret lover's (Argelin, the general) agendas. When the current Archon starts questioning her, she pretends that the god wants a new Archon and that the current one must die in order to silence him. She plots with Argelin to pick an Archon they can bully and intimidate to do what they want. While she was absolutely wicked, Hermia, was intelligent and ambitious, and even sympathetic at times. She truly believes that the god speaks to her, and wants more than anything to have the freedom to do as she pleases. She just doesn't mind killing whoever gets in the way of her doing that.
Argelin
A general who manipulates Hermia into doing what he wants and schemes with her. He wants his nephew to be chosen as the next Archon and is basically an irredeemable bastard.
Seth
A cocky, handsome scribe who befriends Mirany and helps her (reluctantly at first) to find the real Archon. He's super sassy and snarky and had me rooting for him. However, I did like that he's not perfect. He has a temper, and can be selfish, rude, and self-serving. Still, he's got a good heart and a strong moral code.
Alexos
One of the most interesting characters in the book. He's a little boy from a poor, bad neighborhood. The god chooses him to be the next Archon. He speaks cryptically and with this slightly scary wisdom and omnipotence sometimes, and other times he speaks like a normal kid. He works miracles one minute, and plays with toys the next. Really complex and nuanced character.
Oblek
A fat, alcoholic musician and only friend to the late Archon. What with his bad attitude and anger issues, I hated him at first, but he definitely grew on me as the book went on. He reminded me a lot of Haymitch from The Hunger Games series, in that he was a drunk mentor who grows to actually care for his charges (in this case, Mirany and Seth). He's loyal and protective and funny.
Kreon
A mysterious albino janitor who is much more than he seems. Another of the most fascinating characters in the book. Keep your eyes on him.
Rhetia
Last but not least, we have Rhetia. Like Mirany, she's one of the nine priestesses of the god. I can't say too much about her for fear of spoiling anything, but I love her. She's sort of the antihero of the novel, and she's tough and strong and doesn't care what anyone says.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the mythology was great and the writing style, while not very engaging, was very lyrical and beautiful. The characters are all complex and nuanced, and none of them are perfect. There is no dearth of strong and interesting female characters, so that's cool. There is little to no romance in this book, so if that's your thing, go for it. Still, the setting and timeframe were confusing, and much of the first 2/3 of the book was really slow. All in all, I don't regret reading it, and I do plan on giving the sequel a chance. Still, I will probably not pick it up again.
November 10, 2018
Özellikle gençler için okuması kolay bir seri ;)
January 12, 2011
I decided to read this after I read Incarceron. I enjoyed this book more, but I have to admit that it has some of the same problems that Incarceron had. First, the setting. I do not usually like long winded, overly descriptive novels that tell you what city is north of what body of water, but the setting seemed almost nonexistent in The Oracle Betrayed. From what I understood it is an ancient Egyptian or ancient Greek type of setting. It is certainly set in a desert environment, but I would have liked to have more information on the society as a whole instead of just the palace area. My second issue was the characters. The Oracle Betrayed is full of action, and there always seemed to be something going on. That doesn't leave time for character building and lots of introspection. Neither of those issues ruined the novel for me though. The reincarnation of the Archon was an interesting idea, and the plot is what redeemed this book. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next at every turn. Each chapter it seemed like the plan might be blown, or that something bad might happen. When bad things happened, I was biting my nails hoping everything would be ok. I think the storytelling is well done and it certainly kept my attention. It is obvious that everything will not be sunshine and rainbows in the next book, though some of the characters don't seem to realize it at all, and that makes me thankful that I picked up the entire series at once. A quick, easy, exciting read that is worth giving a try. I'm glad I read it and plan to continue the series.
July 22, 2024
I'm giving this 3.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book, but it doesn't quite feel like a four star because I was much more interested at the end than I was in the beginning. The characters were a bit dry at first and the plot seemed rather dull, but something changed halfway through and I couldn't stop reading. There was betrayal, twists, and some really interesting character developments that happened toward the end and I feel like I need book two now. I have never read a book by Catherine Fisher but I would like to branch out into her books more because I really liked her writing style.
March 28, 2016
Güzel kitaptı beğenerek okudum
July 6, 2024
Een goeie 10 jaar geleden was dit mijn lievelingsboek. Inmiddels ben ik ouder geworden, en doet dit boek af en toe wat kinderlijker aan dan vroeger, maar hij staat nog steeds als een huis.
4/5 🌟
4/5 🌟
May 9, 2024
Premier livre d'une trilogie de fantasy dans un univers type Égypte antique. Pour l'instant je ne suis pas très convaincue par l'histoire et le style d'écriture.
July 2, 2015
This book reminds me of another Catherine Fisher book, Incarceron. Both stories involve political intrigue, such as false rulers and assassination attempts. I liked this book much more than Incarceron because I felt like more thought was put into creating the setting and characters.
The society in the Oracle series was created with a great attention to detail. The reader gets to hear about local customs and mythology. With Incarceron, we didn't get much insight into the characters' rituals or beliefs. Also, I prefer the ancient island/desert setting of this book to the hokey medieval setting of Incarceron.
As for the characters, they were much more likable than the ones from Incarceron. In fact, the protagonist's character arc was my favorite part of The Oracle Betrayed. Mirany comes out of her shell and gains a lot of courage. I'm looking forward to seeing how she and her friends act in the next two books.
The society in the Oracle series was created with a great attention to detail. The reader gets to hear about local customs and mythology. With Incarceron, we didn't get much insight into the characters' rituals or beliefs. Also, I prefer the ancient island/desert setting of this book to the hokey medieval setting of Incarceron.
As for the characters, they were much more likable than the ones from Incarceron. In fact, the protagonist's character arc was my favorite part of The Oracle Betrayed. Mirany comes out of her shell and gains a lot of courage. I'm looking forward to seeing how she and her friends act in the next two books.
November 19, 2019
11/18: needed something not depressing to read and what better than the fiction of one's childhood to inspire that.
Somehow this is as great the third time around as the first. Tightly written and so addicting I read it all in one sitting, again.
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I first read this book when I was 10 or so. Now almost a decade later, it's still really really good.
The world building is impeccable and is probably one of the best I've read so far. Catherine Fisher is not an extraneous writer, which I have a great appreciation for since adjectives and lengthy description irk me greatly.
Her writing actually reminds me somewhat of Suzanne Collin's, in that they're both really, really good at moving plot. There's just something about this book that is relentlessly charming and leaves me wanting for more. I read it all in one sitting (again).
Somehow this is as great the third time around as the first. Tightly written and so addicting I read it all in one sitting, again.
---
I first read this book when I was 10 or so. Now almost a decade later, it's still really really good.
The world building is impeccable and is probably one of the best I've read so far. Catherine Fisher is not an extraneous writer, which I have a great appreciation for since adjectives and lengthy description irk me greatly.
Her writing actually reminds me somewhat of Suzanne Collin's, in that they're both really, really good at moving plot. There's just something about this book that is relentlessly charming and leaves me wanting for more. I read it all in one sitting (again).
August 21, 2012
One of the things I like about Catherine Fisher's work is that it uses familiar stories or locations, but comes at them kind of sideways. Here, the culture is a hybrid of Greek and Egyptian; the setting, the people and the economy resemble those of ancient Greece, while the religion, with its elaborate death rituals and taboos, comes straight out of our stories of ancient Egypt. I like that Mirany, most timid of the God's priestesses, has to learn to believe in her God, while Seth, self-sufficient and cynical scribe with no power, has to learn to believe that other people can be trusted. I like the setting and the rituals of the religion, and the ending is both positive and sinister.
August 20, 2007
The Speaker is corrupt, the Oracle has been betrayed...and I need to get my hands on the sequel. Slightly reminiscent of Megan Whalen Turner's The Thief in terms of alternate mythology, gods who speak to the characters, and intrigue. Hard to put down, and it will make you grateful for every drop of water you have access to.
October 17, 2012
I read this the first time when I was about ten ... Not sure I really got it. But it was great rereading it, I had forgotten nearly everything :P Except the ending. Seems to be like that with a lot of books ... well, I'm looking forward to the next one :P
July 19, 2013
I like this trilogy about Mirany - I have always had an eye for fictional stories about Ancient Egypt
January 12, 2015
A beautiful, unique read that tackles a question like godliness with wit and grace.
May 26, 2015
I LOVED IT!!!
July 22, 2019
If we're talking books on my backlist, this one takes the cake. I was a notorious skim reader back in the ol' days, and I remember being absolutely fascinated by the scattered pieces of this book. The world-building had seemed endless and enchanting to my virgin mind. I still hold true to that, but the overall experience of this novel was more lacklustre than I recall.
Mirany, our titular character of the Oracle, was a great heroine. She was brave and resourceful with a strong moral compass; however, her development from Mousy Mirany from Mylos into conspirator extraordinaire felt very sudden. She goes from painfully timid to bluffing her way around the Island in the span of a few pages--a drastic change which is outright ridiculous. Her shyness could have been downplayed or she could have been given more time to stew. The book was very fast-paced, so I understand the necessity of her rapid growth, but it was very jarring and made her feel less like she'd developed and more like she'd simply done a 180.
The other characters were very enjoyable. I do admit to being a little disappointed at the Jackal's minor role in this one. Thankfully, sneaky little me knows he becomes enmeshed with the main cast from this point onward. He and the Fox were always my childhood favourites.
I really liked Seth's moodiness and dark ambition; I felt it balanced well with his ultimate integrity. Oblek is the classic lovable douchebag and Alexos is disturbingly wise and childish in turns. They were all very distinct and memorable, if the fact that I can still recall them a decade later is any indication.
I know this may not be everyone's cuppa tea, but I loved the blurred lines between reality and illusion. I loved the complexity of the Archon. He isn't just the god or Alexos. He's not all-powerful. He's young and confused and ancient and knowing and sneaky and playful and sly. He loves his people, but in the strange way of eldritch beings, benevolent though he may be. It was fascinating to read about and I'm definitely keen for more from our divine young friend.
The world-building was good. I enjoyed the rich tapestry Fisher painted of the rituals and the Nine and the Two Lands. The drought that plagued them felt dangerous, close and real.
Why the two stars then, you ask? Well, despite all of the positives, I found myself bored whilst reading this. Nothing surprised me and I didn't love any of our unlikely heroes. Connecting with the characters is a huge element to my enjoyment of a novel and, unfortunately, the cast failed to hook me in this one.
Overall, this book was enjoyable. Nothing mindblowing, but I'd recommend it to a younger reader without qualms.
Mirany, our titular character of the Oracle, was a great heroine. She was brave and resourceful with a strong moral compass; however, her development from Mousy Mirany from Mylos into conspirator extraordinaire felt very sudden. She goes from painfully timid to bluffing her way around the Island in the span of a few pages--a drastic change which is outright ridiculous. Her shyness could have been downplayed or she could have been given more time to stew. The book was very fast-paced, so I understand the necessity of her rapid growth, but it was very jarring and made her feel less like she'd developed and more like she'd simply done a 180.
The other characters were very enjoyable. I do admit to being a little disappointed at the Jackal's minor role in this one. Thankfully, sneaky little me knows he becomes enmeshed with the main cast from this point onward. He and the Fox were always my childhood favourites.
I really liked Seth's moodiness and dark ambition; I felt it balanced well with his ultimate integrity. Oblek is the classic lovable douchebag and Alexos is disturbingly wise and childish in turns. They were all very distinct and memorable, if the fact that I can still recall them a decade later is any indication.
I know this may not be everyone's cuppa tea, but I loved the blurred lines between reality and illusion. I loved the complexity of the Archon. He isn't just the god or Alexos. He's not all-powerful. He's young and confused and ancient and knowing and sneaky and playful and sly. He loves his people, but in the strange way of eldritch beings, benevolent though he may be. It was fascinating to read about and I'm definitely keen for more from our divine young friend.
The world-building was good. I enjoyed the rich tapestry Fisher painted of the rituals and the Nine and the Two Lands. The drought that plagued them felt dangerous, close and real.
Why the two stars then, you ask? Well, despite all of the positives, I found myself bored whilst reading this. Nothing surprised me and I didn't love any of our unlikely heroes. Connecting with the characters is a huge element to my enjoyment of a novel and, unfortunately, the cast failed to hook me in this one.
Overall, this book was enjoyable. Nothing mindblowing, but I'd recommend it to a younger reader without qualms.
September 2, 2019
Γουάου. Απλά γουάου. Αν η Φίσερ δεν είναι γεννημένη και μεγαλωμένη στις ακτές τις Μεσογείου, τότε δε μπορώ να φανταστώ πόση αγάπη έχει μέσα της για τις ακτές αυτές, ώστε να καταφέρει να τις περιγράψει τόσο καλά. Εγώ που τόυς λατρεύω τους μεσογειακούς τόπους δε θα είχα ποτέ τολμήσει να γράψω κάτι τόσο ξεκάθαρα λατρευτικό γι' αυτές.
Βασικά, μάλλον αυτά που λέω είναι λίγο παραπλανητικά. Η ιστορία είναι καθαρόαιμο φάνταζυ, σε μια φανταστική "Αίγυπτο", στην οποία παρακολουθούμε τα γεγονότα μετά το θάνατο του Άρχοντα, που αποτελεί ενσάρκωση του Φωτεινού θεού. Μια από τις Εννέα Ιέρειες, μπλέκεται στις δολοπλοκίες της διαδοχής, μαζί με έναν τέταρτης κατηγορίας γραφιά, έναν μεθύστακα τραγουδιστή, την Ομιλήτρια (τη μάντισσα του θεού) και τον στρατηγό της πόλης, που θέλει να βάλει τον ανηψιό του στη θέση του Άρχοντα. Η ίδια η πλοκή είναι αρκετά καλή, απέχει λιγάκι έως πάρα πολύ από τις χαρυποτεριές που έχουμε διαβάσει κατά καιρούς (αν και η ηλικία των ηρώων είναι κάπως ασαφής, θα μπορούσε το κεντρικό ζευγάρι να είναι ανάμεσα στα δεκατρία και τα είκοσι) κι οι χαρακτήρες είναι εξίσου καλά αποτυπωμένοι, με πραγματικά κίνητρα και πραγματικές κακίες και καλοσύνες.
Αυτό όμως που ξεχωρίζει είναι η αίσθηση του χώρου που δίνει στις περιγραφές της η Φίσερ. Είσαι εκεί βρε παιδί μου, στέκεσαι κάτω από τον ήλιο φορώντας μια μεταλλική μάσκα και γίνεσαι μουσκίδι στον ιδρώτα, περπατάς μέσα στον ναό κι η άμμος κριτσανίζει κάτω από τα πόδια σου, σκουντουφλάς και πέφτεις πάνω σε κάτι ξερόχορτα και σου μυρίζει αμέσως θυμάρι και δεντρολίβανο, γιατί σε τέτοια χορταράκια επάνω έχεις πέσει. Απίθανο, πραγματικά απίθανο.
Βασικά, μάλλον αυτά που λέω είναι λίγο παραπλανητικά. Η ιστορία είναι καθαρόαιμο φάνταζυ, σε μια φανταστική "Αίγυπτο", στην οποία παρακολουθούμε τα γεγονότα μετά το θάνατο του Άρχοντα, που αποτελεί ενσάρκωση του Φωτεινού θεού. Μια από τις Εννέα Ιέρειες, μπλέκεται στις δολοπλοκίες της διαδοχής, μαζί με έναν τέταρτης κατηγορίας γραφιά, έναν μεθύστακα τραγουδιστή, την Ομιλήτρια (τη μάντισσα του θεού) και τον στρατηγό της πόλης, που θέλει να βάλει τον ανηψιό του στη θέση του Άρχοντα. Η ίδια η πλοκή είναι αρκετά καλή, απέχει λιγάκι έως πάρα πολύ από τις χαρυποτεριές που έχουμε διαβάσει κατά καιρούς (αν και η ηλικία των ηρώων είναι κάπως ασαφής, θα μπορούσε το κεντρικό ζευγάρι να είναι ανάμεσα στα δεκατρία και τα είκοσι) κι οι χαρακτήρες είναι εξίσου καλά αποτυπωμένοι, με πραγματικά κίνητρα και πραγματικές κακίες και καλοσύνες.
Αυτό όμως που ξεχωρίζει είναι η αίσθηση του χώρου που δίνει στις περιγραφές της η Φίσερ. Είσαι εκεί βρε παιδί μου, στέκεσαι κάτω από τον ήλιο φορώντας μια μεταλλική μάσκα και γίνεσαι μουσκίδι στον ιδρώτα, περπατάς μέσα στον ναό κι η άμμος κριτσανίζει κάτω από τα πόδια σου, σκουντουφλάς και πέφτεις πάνω σε κάτι ξερόχορτα και σου μυρίζει αμέσως θυμάρι και δεντρολίβανο, γιατί σε τέτοια χορταράκια επάνω έχεις πέσει. Απίθανο, πραγματικά απίθανο.
November 7, 2018
I chose this book because I usually like fictional books that have their type of gods and culture with a whole new world. I was able to read my book a little bit at night before I went to bed.
The first thing that got me intrigued into the book was how the author created his own village and type of religion and mythical gods. I liked how he made these types of gods and put them in a ancient point in time that was more fitting for the book. Also It was interesting learning about these gods and what jobs certain people had to do for these gods.
The next selling point in the book was that it had a good problem in the book for the main characters to resolve. I liked how the author had multiple different enemies and big problems that the characters had to overcome. Also how the author setup the villains plans to kill the main characters and succeed in taking over the village in the book.
The potential problems in the book were how the book had so many plain and boring parts in the book that it was hard to stay intrigued. The book didn’t have that many action packed parts in the book and stretched certain things out for way to long. Also it would build things up for so long that you would just lose interest.
If I had to give the book a rating it would have to be two and a half stars. And that would be because of how boring the book was at so many points.
The first thing that got me intrigued into the book was how the author created his own village and type of religion and mythical gods. I liked how he made these types of gods and put them in a ancient point in time that was more fitting for the book. Also It was interesting learning about these gods and what jobs certain people had to do for these gods.
The next selling point in the book was that it had a good problem in the book for the main characters to resolve. I liked how the author had multiple different enemies and big problems that the characters had to overcome. Also how the author setup the villains plans to kill the main characters and succeed in taking over the village in the book.
The potential problems in the book were how the book had so many plain and boring parts in the book that it was hard to stay intrigued. The book didn’t have that many action packed parts in the book and stretched certain things out for way to long. Also it would build things up for so long that you would just lose interest.
If I had to give the book a rating it would have to be two and a half stars. And that would be because of how boring the book was at so many points.
April 2, 2018
Este livro fez-me lembrar, quando o li, um jogo de computador (daqueles do género "Tomb Raider") e a narração pareceu-me a própria do cinema de acção (o que, na minha opinião, não abona muito a favor dos livros), mas, como adoro mitologias (a grega é a minha preferida), gostei da história no geral, e gostei, em particular, dos textos que precediam cada grupo de capítulos (os textos em itálico), que são precisamente a explicação mitológica daquele mundo.
Trata-se, de facto, de uma mitologia credível. Parece-me que Catherine Fisher (professora e arqueóloga) conseguiu construir um mundo que não soa de todo estranho e aquelas personagens parecem estar distanciadas de nós no tempo, mas muito próximas no espaço.
É curioso o facto de, no princípio, a Portadora ser um pouco agnóstica (ou até mesmo ateia), mas ter medo de ser castigada pelo deus por isso. Além disso, não é a heroína que à partida estamos à espera: é nervosa, pateta, medricas... Não sabe muito bem o que fazer. No entanto (e julgo que esta é a principal lição a tirar-se da história) reúne coragem para fazer alguma coisa quando percebe que está rodeada de pessoas que não são dignas de confiança.
Trata-se, de facto, de uma mitologia credível. Parece-me que Catherine Fisher (professora e arqueóloga) conseguiu construir um mundo que não soa de todo estranho e aquelas personagens parecem estar distanciadas de nós no tempo, mas muito próximas no espaço.
É curioso o facto de, no princípio, a Portadora ser um pouco agnóstica (ou até mesmo ateia), mas ter medo de ser castigada pelo deus por isso. Além disso, não é a heroína que à partida estamos à espera: é nervosa, pateta, medricas... Não sabe muito bem o que fazer. No entanto (e julgo que esta é a principal lição a tirar-se da história) reúne coragem para fazer alguma coisa quando percebe que está rodeada de pessoas que não são dignas de confiança.
December 16, 2018
„Orakulas“ – pirmoji visame pasaulyje išgarsėjusios šiuolaikinės Velso poetės ir prozininkės Catherine Fisher trilogijos dalis. Poetės talentas, istorikės ir archeologės patirtis autorei padeda iš amžių glūdumos ir vaizduotės gelmių prikelti nebūtą Abiejų Žemių šalį, kuri prieš skaitytojo akis iškyla su tokia įtaiga ir tikrumu, kad iki smulkmenų pažįstama dabarties kasdienybė prieš ją nublanksta tarsi išblukęs paveikslas.
Egipto senove ir graikų antika dvelkiančiuose Abiejų Žemių šalies smėlynuose, tarp zikuratų, siaurų rytietiškų gatvelių ir amžių paslaptis saugančių valdovų kapų savo stichiją ras jaunas ir bet kuris jaunystės romantikos trokštantis skaitytojas. Vaidilutė Miranija, padedama drąsias viltis puoselėjančio bendraamžio raštininko Seto bei seno muzikanto Obleko, imasi narplioti rūmų klastas ir paslaptis, apie kurias priešmirtiniame laiškelyje ją slapta perspėja senasis šalies valdovas – archontas. Pirmosios kliūtys įveiktos, bet pergalė atneša naujus išmėginimus. Apie tolesnius herojų nuotykius rašoma likusiose trilogijos dalyse – „Archontas“ ir „Skarabėjas“.
Egipto senove ir graikų antika dvelkiančiuose Abiejų Žemių šalies smėlynuose, tarp zikuratų, siaurų rytietiškų gatvelių ir amžių paslaptis saugančių valdovų kapų savo stichiją ras jaunas ir bet kuris jaunystės romantikos trokštantis skaitytojas. Vaidilutė Miranija, padedama drąsias viltis puoselėjančio bendraamžio raštininko Seto bei seno muzikanto Obleko, imasi narplioti rūmų klastas ir paslaptis, apie kurias priešmirtiniame laiškelyje ją slapta perspėja senasis šalies valdovas – archontas. Pirmosios kliūtys įveiktos, bet pergalė atneša naujus išmėginimus. Apie tolesnius herojų nuotykius rašoma likusiose trilogijos dalyse – „Archontas“ ir „Skarabėjas“.
April 14, 2024
This is a good book in theory. The main character was likeable and the plot interesting, with a myriad of deep and intruiging characters making up the story.
In reality, it was hard to get through. I'm not telling anyone about this book. If someone asked, I'd shrug and make a face. I'm very happy I got this from a library instead of buying it, because it would've been a waste of money. There was nothing to keep me reading other than needing something to do, I was aching to return it and get started on something else -- ANYTHING else.
There seem to be a few plot holes (or maybe I'm just an atheist and this all seems silly), but the "deities" don't make very much sense to me. A characters betrayal made no sense, didn't really add up, and was overall quite pathetic.
Also, from a design/summary aspect, what's up with the back cover? Too much information too quickly. Didn't find it all too appealing, the only reason I picked this book up is because I liked oracles and mythology. Notice how that's past tense; this book put me off.
All in all, pretty mid.
In reality, it was hard to get through. I'm not telling anyone about this book. If someone asked, I'd shrug and make a face. I'm very happy I got this from a library instead of buying it, because it would've been a waste of money. There was nothing to keep me reading other than needing something to do, I was aching to return it and get started on something else -- ANYTHING else.
There seem to be a few plot holes (or maybe I'm just an atheist and this all seems silly), but the "deities" don't make very much sense to me. A characters betrayal made no sense, didn't really add up, and was overall quite pathetic.
Also, from a design/summary aspect, what's up with the back cover? Too much information too quickly. Didn't find it all too appealing, the only reason I picked this book up is because I liked oracles and mythology. Notice how that's past tense; this book put me off.
All in all, pretty mid.
January 10, 2023
At first, everything was explained very briefly and there was a pile of information. I didn't want to continue reading because it was so difficult to grasp everything. Afterwards, when I continued reading by forcing myself, the progress was good. But I gave 3 points because the part from the beginning to the half of the book is very confusing.
I also think that the characters go through a very fast transformation process. The character you knew at the beginning and the same character 50 pages later didn't feel like they were the same person. This was a factor that made it difficult to focus on a character.
However, the book took on an interesting appeal as it neared the end. The plot was different and it was nice that it wasn't too similar to other books of its genre.
I also think that the characters go through a very fast transformation process. The character you knew at the beginning and the same character 50 pages later didn't feel like they were the same person. This was a factor that made it difficult to focus on a character.
However, the book took on an interesting appeal as it neared the end. The plot was different and it was nice that it wasn't too similar to other books of its genre.
March 4, 2023
How can I start I don't know very well but I want to write mt thoughts about books whic ı have just finished. If you read my review about this book please remember those are just my feelings and my feelings can be weak like my english :) Firstly this book is about a girl who is chosen by god to tell truths etc qnd story goes on. Actually I should have explained why I bought this book. When I first saw this book I dont know why but I felt it is about ancient egypt and greek. I love ancient times, stories which about egypt and greek. Unfourtunately the book made me dissapointed. And I did not like story becuse in my opinion books backround had not any idea and language of book was very simple. I could not get into in this book's world. Even ı didnot finish it.
November 19, 2021
It was my second read through. The first time I read the Polish translation but I've forgotten everything as I grew older. After 7 years I decided to continue with the series and refresh my memory of the first volume. Conclusions? I liked it a lot. It was an easy and enjoyable read. There were moment when I couldn't quite imagine the setting but I guess it's just the language barrier (I've re-read it in English). I'm really exited to finally find out what happens in the second and the third volume. I like Mirany and all the other characters but I hope to explore their relationship even more. I recommend it for people who are looking for an easy and fast-paced story :)
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