Truthseeker (Worldwalker Duology, #1) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jul 16, 2011 Cindy (eclecticfirefly) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, uf, fae, series-to-read

I loved this book.

Lara starts out as someone who tries to fade into the background. She limits her interactions with other people because the half-truths and polite lies we all use make her very uncomfortable. She does have a good friend, Kelly, who seems to understand (at least to some degree) how Lara feels. Kelly often tries to get Lara to open up to others, especially men. She wants Lara to be happy.

Enter David Kirwen and Dickon Collins. David is a local weatherman and Dickon is his camerama ...more

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Jul 12, 2010 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it

In Truthseeker, Lara Jensen's talent for detecting lies and half truths is exactly what Seelie Prince Dafydd ap Caerwyn has been searching for and despite her reluctance, Lara agrees to help Dafydd who is desperate to avenge his foster brother's death and prove his innocence in his murder. In the Barrowlands, Lara discovers that not only has Dafydd not been entirely truthful with her but she has stepped into the middle of a brewing civil war between the Seelie and UnSeelie. Someone is stirring u In Truthseeker, Lara Jensen's talent for detecting lies and half truths is exactly what Seelie Prince Dafydd ap Caerwyn has been searching for and despite her reluctance, Lara agrees to help Dafydd who is desperate to avenge his foster brother's death and prove his innocence in his murder. In the Barrowlands, Lara discovers that not only has Dafydd not been entirely truthful with her but she has stepped into the middle of a brewing civil war between the Seelie and UnSeelie. Someone is stirring up trouble, targeting fairy royalty and as a Truthseeker who is prophesized to be the one that 'breaks the world', Lara's presence is unwelcome, particularly as her power grows. With an unseen enemy that threatens both fairyland and her own reality in Boston, Lara must search for the truth of the schism and master her unique ability in order to save the two worlds from destruction.
Lara Jensen is such a unique heroine for the urban fantasy genre, her strength doesn't lay in her ability to kick ass, but instead in being able to recognise the truth. It's such an intriguing idea because half truths and white lies are part of everyone's everyday interaction and Lara's ability impacts her life in ways I would never had considered. In Fairyland however her ability is a gift and truth has an inherent power that ordinary society is afraid of. Lara, able to see the truth, doesn't waste time denying the existence of fairyland so there is no painfully wilful self deception, instead she embraces the hidden world which I find refreshing.
I also love how CE Murphy uses music to illustrate Lara's gift, describing the strong clear notes of truth and the discordant chords of lies. It makes sense and adds such an original quality to the story.
Though Lara is surrounded by some great characters, she remains the featured protagonist of the novel. Kelly, her (human) best friend makes a great sidekick, contrasting with Lara's more reserved personality. It may seem odd but Dafydd remains more of a background character than might be expected and even though there is a developing romance between he and Lara it is an ephemeral thing. I actually liked that as it made the story more completely Lara's but those who like a romantic or sensual component may be disappointed.
The plot is cohesive and the story moves at a fast pace. Her characters not only shift between worlds, but also time, seamlessly, adding an extra layer of complexity. The world building is excellent and the mythology familiar but with unique touches. I think Murphy shows great attention to detail throughout the novel.
I really enjoyed Truthseeker for it's unique story and strong heroine. I had been waiting to read it until the release of Wayfinder because I knew I'd be annoyed at a cliffhanger ending. It was worth the wait - after finishing Truthseeker I moved straight on to Wayfinder and it is an equally wonderful story to conclude the duology. ...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Deidre rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy-contemporary

Disappointing, not at all like her other series, which are great

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Sep 04, 2011 Deyara rated it really liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance, char-fae

I quite liked Lara, and really liked her friend Kelly, her magic was interesting, and the story was good. Quite a lot of description and I skipped a bit of it but enjoyed the book anyway.

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