Book Review: The Enchantress of Lynniah

Media Type: Ebook
Title: The Enchantress of Lynniah
    *Series: The Enchantress of Lynniah #1
Author: A.L. Bawden
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: Kindle Edition, 286
Release Date: November 11, 2013
Source: Author
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Content Screening: Mild Violence

HDB Rating: 3 Keys to My Heart

Recommended to: Readers who enjoy fun and quick moving fantasy stories.

Add it on: Goodreads / Shelfari / Amazon / B&N

Have you ever come across a vain, impetuous little creature called a Mandie, and had to quickly dodge one of her poisonous darts? Or, have you ever imagined having to sing to a fruit to get it to peel open? Perhaps you’ve bumped into freakishly large, blue men, called Dreads? Yes. I said ‘blue’. And maybe the pet you have always wanted is a fluffy purple ball with large bulbous feet? Well with all of that, along with evil Nymphs and blood thirsty Banelorgs – these are things you’ve only likely experienced if you’ve had a nice long visit to Lynniah.

Corrah’s life suddenly and drastically changes with the unexpected and inexplicable death of her loving mother, Lillian. She and her two sisters, Gaela and Stormy, are suddenly thrust into the unknown and sent to live with their mysterious Aunt Rainee, who lives in the seemingly bewitched village, called Lynniah. It was a place that they’d always heard extraordinary tales about, but had never imagined to truly exist. Living in a house that their mother’s family had occupied for hundreds of years, they find clues that begin to unlock the startling reality that they are all part of an important magical heritage. A heritage that has been kept secret to save them from a dark and powerful enemy. Corrah has to find a way to battle and balance the onslaughts of loss, young love, and learn to uncover the personal power she has hidden inside her to overcome overwhelming adversity.

What first struck me about The Enchantress of Lynniah was the magical world it contained. Reading the synopsis, you’d expect a world filled with impossible creatures and untold adventures. I can happily say that this is absolutely true. Above all else, what kept me reading was world that was built for me. Lynniah is lovely, and I had no qualms with being lost inside of it.

Corrah and her sisters were great characters. Loving, and yet just that bit of sarcastic that sisters get with one another, they were fine adventurers. Each brings their own personality to the table. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses that make them, as a whole, a particularly good team. I loved the way that they were so inseparable, and yet also independent when called for. I love strong female characters in my Fantasy, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The biggest problem I had with The Enchantress of Lynniah was, quite honestly, the editing. I really think that this book could have used some more polishing. There were quite a few grammatical errors and even a few times where mistakes were made (such as when one sister was mistakenly mentioned as another) that were a bit jarring. What I did notice was that the further I read into the story, the more fluid things became. Dialogue was smoother, transitions were easier to follow, and I was able to immerse myself. If the rest of the book had read this way, I know it wouldn’t have taken me as long to get through.

In truth, the editing is the reason I gave The Enchantress of Lynniah the rating that I did. This book has a lot to love within its pages. Magical creatures, a good old fashioned battle with good vs. evil, and a set of sisters who are slowly uncovering who they truly are. I believe that with a little more work this series has the potential to be truly wonderful.

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.