Diana Marcellas (1951–2017)

First off, I'm just going to say that you probably shouldn't name one of the races in your book using the same word for Islamic law. Perhaps take 30 seconds to type the word into any search engine before choosing it, just to be on the safe side. Especially when those people are witches persecuted by the other race of people in your story.

Since I began reviewing books, I have loved or at least enjoyed every book I've read that has been published by Open Road Media. So, when I chose Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea, I was expecting that experience to continue. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Besides the horrible choice of name for the race of witches, the book suffers from far too many lengthy and unnecessary passages that either could have been cut in half or removed altogether. On top of that, there's a quickly formed and somewhat ridiculous romance. To make matters even worse, there are hints at the possibility of some Science-Fiction type elements, but then no other mention of them and my questions were left hanging there with no answers; not even a further suggestion that might make me want to pick up the next book.

I was disappointed in Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea enough that, while I'm not giving up on Open Road Media books, I will not read any more of the series. I wish I could say differently, but there it is. I just don't care enough to find out if this is indeed Fantasy or Sci-Fi, or some strange mixture of the two.… (más)

Reminded in feel of 1980's-1990's era Marion Zimmer Bradley. Woman-centric fantasy with a 'classic' setting.

In this world, witchcraft is outlawed, punishable by death. Our Heroine, the teenaged Brierley, knows she is a witch. She believes she may be the last of her people. All she knows of her heritage, she has gleaned from her predecessors' journals, hidden in a secret cave.

Her particular talent is healing - and when Brierley feels 'called' to heal, there's not much she can do about it. It's bad luck for her when she is 'called' to do a healing in front of witnesses, including the local lord. Soon enough, she's arrested. However, she's not without her supporters, as she's always been a valued part of her community.

The story progresses very much in the manner of a courtroom drama. Heroes and villains are all fairly clear-cut, although there is a bit of ambiguity when it comes to a relationship with a married man. (However, his was an arranged marriage and it's made quite clear that the couple isn't quite right for each other. I was still rooting for them to come to understand each other better, though.)

I see that there's a sequel to this book, but this one ends at a satisfyingly conclusive point.

A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley. Many thanks to Open Road Media and NetGalley for the chance to read this novel. As always, my opinions are my own.

Postscript: As regarding the other reviewer's mention of 'pernicious filth'... I was somewhat disappointed. I'm guessing that she must've been referring to the scene where Brierley has fallen into the hands of a lecherous and sadistic torturer who has illegally received permission to kill her after extracting a false confession. However, for anyone used to reading today's dark fantasy, everything that happens is pretty tame... it really barely registered on the pernicious-ometer.

… (más)

A slow start to this story but it's an interesting read once it gets into the story it actually becomes quite interesting and makes you want more.

The Shari'a were the former rulers of this place, but it was invaded by a warrior tribe, the Allemanii, and when the Shari'a faught they were supressed, and brutally so. Now any remnants hide out, unsure if they're the only one. Brierley is one of these witches, and when she heals the wife of a nobleman she starts a cascade of events that may change the world she lives in, or may solidify the way things are.

An interesting read and made me want to find more about the world and the characters living in it.… (más)