Archangel by Sharon Shinn

Angel Gabriel has known for many years that he will be the next Archangel and that he must go to the oracle to discover who Jovah has chosen to be his Angelica or human bride. In Samaria, Archangels are a sort of divine chosen ruler over the land, changing every fifteen years. They lead Samaria in the Gloria (a sort of sung mass) each year, reminding the people of their dependence and love for Jovah. Gabriel has put off the task of finding his bride until he only has six months until his inaugural Gloria - so when he discovers his Angelica Rachel is a young woman from a family of peasant farmers he is shocked and more than a little surprised. Rachel herself has not led an easy life and is not too happy when Gabriel shows up declaring that he will be her husband. All her life her choices have been taken from her and she is not about to let Gabriel take them away from her again.

Let me start off by saying what in the heck is going on with this cover? Is Rachel cringing? Singing? Sighing? None really match her personality so I can't really figure it out. Not to mention the odd little ball - is it supposed to be the Kiss which not only allows Jovah to track you but tells you when you've found your one and only? I thought that was supposed to be embedded in your skin? Weird. Too weird. Other than the oddness of the art, I really enjoyed this unusual story of religion mixed with politics set in a brand new world. And once again Sharon Shinn does not disappoint with her wonderfully crafted characters. A competely believable hero and heroine and some nasty villains who really are a little larger than life. The narrative switches back and forth between Rachel and Gabriel, which at times seemed a bit redundant since they would cover each situation twice, but overall served to really give a good understand of each's personality. Inventive and very readable, I can't wait to pick up the rest of this fabulous series.

series reading order:
~ Archangel
~ Jovah's Angel
~ Alleluia Files
~ Angelica
~ Angel Seeker

Fortune and Fate by Sharon Shinn

After King Bayrn was killed during the uprisings led by houses Fortunalt and Gisseltess two years previous, Kings Rider Wen has felt nothing but regret and guilt for letting the king be killed while under her protection. Unable to face her fellow Riders, she refrained from swearing allegiance to Queen Amalie and instead set off in search of redemption - by aiding anyone in need of help. In her travels Wen rescues young Kayrrn Fortunalt - serramarra and future marlady of Fortunalt - from a young man trying to force her into marriage. Finding Wen to be particularly handy with a sword, Kayrrn and her bookish guardian Jasper Palladar ask Wen to stay on at the underprotected Fortune to train a house guard for the serramarra. Feeling a need to keep moving, Wen only agrees to stay at Fortune for a short time, all the while becoming more and more attached to the people of Fortune - especially the serramarra and Jasper.

Back in Gosenhall, Cammon - the Queen's consort - has decided to take a tour of the southern houses and has asked Senneth(!), Tayse, and numerous other soldiers and Riders to accompany him on his journey. I was thrilled to see a new Cammon - one who could easily navigate court politics while simultaneously glad-handing every man, woman, and child they passed on the road. Gone are the days of his complete cluelessness (which I sort of missed), but Cammon can always be counted on to watch out for even the most seemingly insignificant person.

This fifth installment in Sharon Shinn's much loved Twelve Houses series was full of adventure and the loyalty and love that I've come to expect from her characters. This book does depart from the others in that it was much slower moving with more inner character development and less constant and often explosive action. Which was not a bad thing. I quickly grew to love Wen in all her guilt-ridden but selfless heroism. Fantastic writing with nary a hitch.

series reading order:
~ Mystic and Rider
~ The Thirteenth House
~ Dark Moon Defender
~ Reader and Raelynx - my review
~ Fortune and Fate

Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn

The fourth book in the Twelfth Houses series focuses on the lovable yet quirky reader Cammon. With his unique (and very helpful) ability of being able to sense the emotions of others, Cammon has become an invaluable asset to the monarchy. Charged with discerning the true intentions of Princess Amalie's suitors, Cammon continually proves his worth and loyalty to those he loves.

However, all is not well in the Twelve Houses as war is imminent. When an audacious attack on the royal city is made everything changes and those in service to the king are forced to face seemingly insurmountable challenges. Senneth, the amazing lady she is, truly proves her strength as she rounds up mystics to help fight for the king and continues to be one of the most valuable assets with her smarts and ability to call fire. Unable to accept defeat, she willing does whatever is necessary in order to keep the throne out of the hands of Halchon Gisseltess and his supporters.

Reader and Raelynx just might have edged out Mystic and Rider for my favorite spot in this series -- it completely rocked. I almost felt the last book could have been condensed into an addendum to this one as it basically sets up everything that happens here. Shinn's masterful world-building is one of the biggest draws of this story. The politics of Gillengaria are fascinating with it's varying degrees of aristocracy and prejudices. Her treatment of mystics -- where their power comes from, how they are treated and the fact that they can't work magic on anyone outside of Gillengaria -- is just fascinating. This particular volume tied together many of the previous storylines and I am so happy to see there is one more book in this wonderful series to come.

reading order:
~ Mystic and Rider
~ The Thirteenth House
~ Dark Moon Defender
~ Reader and Raelynx
~ Fortune and Fate