Publishers Weekly
The Sleeping God
Combining classic heroic fantasy with a metaphysical twist, Malan (The Mirror Prince ) introduces the Mercenary Brotherhood and two of its most fascinating members: Dhulyn Wolfshead, a psychically gifted former slave, and Parno Lionsmane, a rugged exiled nobleman. Their assignment seems simple: deliver Mar-eMar, a young orphan, to her distant relatives of the demi-royal Tenebro House in Imrion's capital, Gotterang. The trip quickly turns complicated and dangerous as they encounter the deadly persecution of the Marked, supernaturally talented people whom the fanatical New Believers think are trying to wake the Sleeping God and destroy the world. Parno must confront his noble past and Dhulyn fight the limitations of her visions as they battle the elusive, terrifying Green Shadow, who's manipulating the New Believers for his own ends. Malan's sometimes wordy, philosophical musings weigh down the action, but she makes up for it with abundant swordplay and the protagonists' strong, entertaining partnership.(Aug.)
http://www.wantzuponatime.com/Search/Review.php?ReviewID=313
Members of the Mercenary Guild, Partners Dhulyn Wolfshead and Parno Lionsmane are accustomed to danger. Their fighting spirit is summed up in their ritualized parting: "In Battle," to which another Mercenary replies "Or in Death." When they arrive in the land of Parno's birth, they are shocked to find homicidal hostility toward the Marked-people born an ability to Find, Mend, Heal, or See. Historically, the Marked have been treated as everyday tradespeople, paid for appreciated services. Now, they're being persecuted by priests of the Sleeping God. Dhulyn has a secret Mark, that of Sight, which is the rarest of the four. Guided by her ability to See, she and Parno take on a commission to deliver a young girl to her family in a city Parno both misses and would rather forget. Their arrival triggers a series of events that could change everything. In this fully realized fantasy, Violette Malan blends traditional elements with her characters' unique perspectives. Not only are the settings vivid, but the social structure and climes are understandable and believable. Readers will experience this journey as if they were part of it, a sure sign of good fantasy writing. This novel is a fun read with a great combination of danger, intrigue, humor, and more. The pace only slows long enough for readers to catch a breath before picking up with more action.
Violette Malan's THE SLEEPING GOD is a great choice for good fantasy reading.
Charlaine Harris, NY Times best-selling author of "ALL TOGETHER DEAD"
Violette Malan's THE SLEEPING GOD is really, really good. In the interests of disclosure, Violette and I have the same agent, Joshua Bilmes, who is also the agent of Simon Green, Tanya Huff, Lee Killough, Tobias Buckle, John Moore, Elizabeth Moon, Brian Sanderson, and Kat Richardson, among others. But I bought THE SLEEPING GOD because I've enjoyed her writing in the past, and this is another excellent read. It's science fiction fantasy at its best. Dhulyn and Parno are members of the Mercenaries Guild, and they're hired to escort a young and undistinguished member of a noble house from one city to another. Dhulyn has a secret gift; she's a seer. She tells no one but her partner, Parno, because she knows once that fact is out, no one will look at her the same. Parno has his own secrets. Though the two Mercenaries are devoted to each other and have been together for years, they find out more on this trip than they ever bargained on. A false religious leader is causing all the people with extrasensory skills (the Marked) to be shunned, if not killed, and he's powered by an evil entity that can travel from one body to another. Though Dhulyn and Parno hadn't counted on taking sides in a fight for which they weren't hired, they are sucked into the struggle along with the rest of the country. In the process of helping the better side to win, they learn more about each other than they realized there was to discover. There's a wonderful bit of world-building here, and lots of sword fighting. There's love, poison, and fully-drawn characters, both good and bad and in-between. Malan's written a classic fantasy novel that manages to be fresh and compelling. I highly recommend THE SLEEPING GOD.
From Fantasy Book Spot
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The Sleeping God
The Sleeping God by Violette Malan follows two Mercenary Brothers, Dhulyn Wolfshead and Parno Lionsmane, on their mission to safely deliver a noble girl (Mar-eMar) to here family in the capital of Imrion. Dhulyn is an ex-slave freed and tutored by another Mercenary Brother by the name of Dorian the Black Traveler. She is one of the "Marked" who have special abilities and now are being persecuted because of them. Parno was partnered with Dhulyn after their chance meeting during a battle some years ago and holds his own secret from her: secrets are not supposed to exist between partners. Partners in the Brotherhood seem to be an entirely different thing than most people would consider partnership. It goes beyond work, honor, and love; it's truly a symbiotic relationship: "In Battle and In Death". The story starts with the two Mercenary Brothers on their way to Imrion (Parno's homeland)because he vaguely states he wants to see how things have changed and see family again. Shortly after setting out they come across a village in the middle of carnage and apparently burning the home of a marked family. Dhulyn and Parno step in and handle the situation in the process get hired to escort the noble child Mar-eMar to the capital Gotterang. Upon arrival in Gotterang it becomes clear that everything is not as Parno remembered and Jaldeans (priests) are pressing the persecution of the Marked. Dhulyn and Parno find themselves entwined in a deadly political mess, trying to avoiding assassination, war, and coupes all the while trying to stick to the code of Mercenary Brotherhood. The Sleeping God is Malan's second novel and it's a solid fantasy trip. The plotting is strong and cohesive as well as original. She has a writing style that took a few chapters to get used to but it's definitely serviceable though it at times lacked clarity. The characters have good, distinct, personalities that are easy to grasp and by only a few chapters Malan has the reader invested in them. The second tier characters are also interesting and supply some branches to the plot that were excellent side adventures. The Sleeping God is neither primarily character nor plot driven, but a good mix of both which are the two strong points of the novel. My only issues with the book are that Mercenary Brothers (Dhulyn and Parno) are built up to point of being among the greatest warriors known ,but there are only a few fight scenes. Malan makes it clear in the book and builds the prowess of the Dhulyn and Parno but just doesn't deliver or back it up enough. The few battle scenes in the book are glossed over and end quickly which doesn't seem to be consistent with her two battle loving main characters. The pacing was also off and again I have to point to the main characters not being involved in as much action as you might expect. At times the story moves slow enough where a reader could very well lose interest, but luckily the plot is good enough to give it time to unravel. A patient reader will be rewarded. In the end I can recommend The Sleeping God to those who enjoy a good political intrigue fantasy. The characters and plot are strong enough to make you stick around even if the action that the reader is expecting never materializes. I would not recommend this to anyone who is looking for an action packed slug fest. Overall, Malan manages to pull off an intriguing story of politics, love, and the fate of the world without being clichéd and should not disappoint readers in those aspects.
Warrior Fantasy
Rather than sitting the characters down for a history lesson they already know, Violette Malan introduces her world through the actions and personalities of her protagonists. And the actions begin with a well orchestrated scape goating campaign by the New Believers, a sect of the Sleeping God's priesthood, against the Marked, those with special abilities to Heal, Find, Mend and See. Enter Dhulyn Wolfshead, mercenary partner of Parno Lionsmane and a carefully hidden Seer. They have returned to Parno's homeland, where unknown to them, the priesthood is coming to greater power. Their job to escort Mar-eMar to the capital takes several unexpected turns involving kidnapping, assassination and mob violence.October 18, 2007
Jessica Strider
Critics Reviews
REVIEW OF THE MIRROR PRINCE
Paul Goat Allen
B&N's Explorations and Ransom Notes Editor
The Mirror Prince
Violette Malan
DAW
$19.50;
July (ISBN 0756403391)
Blending the timeless enchantment of a Patricia A. McKillip fantasy and the epic narrative splendor of a Tad Williams work, Canadian author Violette Malan's debut novel is nothing short of superb. The Mirror Prince is - like the Newford saga by fellow Canadian writer Charles de Lint - a kind of urban fantasy, taking place simultaneously in the Shadowlands of Earth and the magical realm of Faerie. Max Ravenhill is a professor of military history living in Toronto. His biggest goal in the very near future is to somehow get closer with Cassandra Kennaby, the sexy little blonde-haired owner of a martial arts dojo with whom he is infatuated with. His dreams come true - but not quite the way he planned - when Cassandra informs Max that he is, in fact, an exiled Faerie Prince in mortal danger and that she has been assigned to protect him at all costs. Once on the run from the nightmarish hounds of the Hunt, Cassandra (really a Fairie named Sword of Truth) tries to get Max to believe the cold hard facts: that he is the Prince Guardian, the Keeper of the Talismans, and without his help, the entire realm of Faerie is in jeopardyYY Although the pacing of The Mirror Prince suffers somewhat in the beginning chapters (as complex characters and intricate plotlines must be properly constructed and put in place) the book's surprising - and utterly satisfying - conclusion is well worth the build up. Fantasy fans should brace themselves: the world is about to discover Violette Malan.
Paul Goat Allen.
www.barnesandnoble.com
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Library Journal
Banished to the Shadowlands (the human world) for being on the wrong side of a civil war, Max Ravenhill forgets his true nature until his ancient enemy, the Basilisk Prince, plans an attack on him in the land of his exile. Warden of the Faerie folk, Cassandra Kennaby discovers Max and helps him remember his true self, determining that his only hope of survival is to return to the world of the Faerie, even though his banishment has not yet ended. Malan's fantasy debut straddles two worlds, each detailed in vibrant colors and images. Believable characters and graceful storytelling make this a good addition to most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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The Washington Times
Washington, DC
August 27, 2006
Judith Kreiner
Violette Malan's debut novel The Mirror Prince (DAW, $15US, 309 pages) is everything a fantasy novel should be
Max Ravenhill is an exile, implanted with false memories and sent to live among humans because he lost a civil war with the person now known as the Basilisk Prince. For nearly a thousand years he has lived again and again, his memories repeatedly wiped and his powers bound, as he is protected by his Wardens, what humans call Faerie. Back in his real life and his real land, Max is Prince Guardian, Keeper of the Talismans, necessary for the Lands to finish one Cycle and begin another.
One of his guards he calls Cassandra, and they have been lovers for many lives, she knowing, he unknowing. Then Cassandra learns Max is in danger and he must be returned to Faerie and his memory restored so that he can save the world as Faerie knows it.
There is adventure, there is romance, there is magic, there is danger and loss, love and sacrifice.
There is lovely writing, and again, the promise of more to come.
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Readers Reviews
Excellent Read! iiii
Reviewer Malcolm from Canada
Date:23/07/2006 3:51:28 PMThis book was an excellent read from a new author in fantasy. It is a very character driven story but with plenty of action to satisfy us swords and sorcery fans. The author manages to give a subtle twist to some of the generic elements of fantasy that brings with it an air of realism and involvement. It's also refreshing to read a fantasy novel that, though it leaves the door open for more, is complete in and of itself. Highly recommended!
New Canadian Fantasy Talent iiiii
Reviewer Jessica Stachowski from Toronto
Date:21/07/2006 4:47:36 PM
An urban fantasy that successfully wanders into the realm of faerie. It makes you think. Are you happy with who you are? Would you give up the bad things in your past if it meant possibly being someone you won't like? The ending is highly satisfying. An excellent read.
Spellbinding stand alone fantasy iiiii
Reviewer Harriet Klausner
He has lived for almost a thousand years, having his identity changed when the memories start to break apart in his present incarnation he is Toronto history professor Max Ravenhill hoping to obtain tenure soon. However, he will soon learn that he is not even human but instead a Rider (faerie folk) who as the Prince Guardian lost in a civil war and exiled to live endless lives amidst mankind. --- While in exile, his memories and his dra''aj (magic) were stripped from him by the victor the Dreamer of Time now known as the Basilisk Prince who intends to become the High Prince once he possess the Talismans that his enemy hid from him. That is why the time to bring Max to the Land is now so the Basillik Prince can use cunning and to make him reveal his hiding place. Max is no longer an easy target and Cassandra who has been at his side through each reincarnation will not allow anyone to harm him while she envisions a second civil war between the royal faeries which is what will happen if Max looses to the man he once considered a friend --- THE MIRROR PRINCE is a spellbinding stand alone fantasy that enchants and resonates with readers who feel and fear for the bewildered beguiling hero. Fans will root for him to defeat his adversary in the anticipated confrontational rematch (this is a fantasy so no surprise there). The spell cast by Violette Malan enables her audience to believe that faerie exist in a realm where evil and good skirmish endlessly with collateral damage on our plane. --- Harriet Klausner
DEAD IN THE WATER
backNews Service
Tue 23 May 2006
Byline: Mike Gillespie
Dateline: OTTAWA
Source: CanWest News Service; Ottawa CitizenIt slipped onto the shelves almost unnoticed [it's] so Canadian. But the cat is out of the bag and a new anthology of Canadian mystery is now starting to make waves. Dead in the Water (RendezVous Crime; $15.95), is a collection of short stories from award-winning such authors as Dennis Richard Murphy, Barbara Fradkin, James Powell, Rick Mofina and H. Mel Malton. Toronto author Linwood Barclay provides the foreword. But why water? Simple enough. More than 80 per cent of all Canadians live near water and that means, the authors contend, that when we turn to crime, somebody usually gets wet. They don't, after all, call them bodies of water for nothing, Barclay quips. "Water; it's dark, foreboding. It's cold, it's mysterious. It hides its secrets well,'' Barclay explains in his introduction to the 19 short tales that also include original stories from the likes of Vicki Cameron, Joan Boswell, Victoria Maffini and Therese Greenwood. The anthology's stories are set across Canada and there's even a crossover tale from fantasy writer Tanya Huff. "Dive in the water's fine, believe me and be ready to hold your breath,'' counsels Barclay. "Would I lie?''
backTHE GLOBE AND MAIL
SATURDAY MAY 13TH
CANADIAN CRIME BOOKS by Margaret Cannon
A perfect cottage book, Dead in the Water is an anthology of Canadian mystery short stories. The theme is water. It appears that 80 per cent of Canadian live near a body of water, and these original stories all star water. My favourite is the title story by Dennis Richard Murphy, which begins: "It was me killed The Painter". You can guess who that is, and if not, just read on.The rest of the stories, by the likes of H. Mel Malton, James Powell and a nice crossover by Tanya Huff, are all lots of fun. For reading before the afternoon nap or the evening walk.
©2006 Bell Globemedia Publishing Inc.
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