Reviews of From the Ashes

“With an eye for detail and an excellent sense of comedic timing, Meghan Brunner brings her setting and the characters of From the Ashes delightfully to life.” ~ Renaissance Magazine (Vol 9, No 1)

“There is nothing in the world like a Renaissance Faire — and this amazing story reaches right out and brings it into your home (complete with some of the best sheep jokes I've ever heard).” ~ Finder, GLBT Fantasy Fiction Resources

“... [The] story unfolds at a pace in keeping with the best stories of old. I am reminded of all the interconnectedness of an Austen novel, the breadth and scope of Dickens’ work, and the wit of The Canterbury Tales.” ~Lori L. Lake, Open Book, Ltd

“The development of characters and plot-lines is very smooth and vivid, and makes the images come alive. I have seldom read a book where I developed an understanding and empathy for the characters as quickly as I did with these people... By the time I was a quarter of the way through the book I had one major regret - that I only had another 390 pages to go.” ~ Mike Gleason, Spiral Nature

“Magick… is such a part of the character's everyday life that they barely think about it… [it] gave the supernatural elements a much more realistic feel. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys magical realism and good, hearty sheep jokes.” ~ Josh Aterovis, Black Sheep Productions

“I was struck with a great longing to see if I could put together an act and hit the road myself.” ~ Cindy Lynn, Reviewer's Bookwatch -- October, 2002

“The book opens new doors in literary courage. The primary romantic relationship is between two women, though it is not a book about homosexuality. Much of the story is the development of this relationship, but it is not a romance or a love story. All the main characters use magick, but it is not a fantasy story, nor is it about witchcraft. There are many struggles and battles, but it is not about action. Simply put, it is a fresh look, incorporating many previously successful ideas, but putting a new face on them. It may even be a new genre... I eagerly await Book II.” ~Izzygrecko, Amazon.com review

“This is a wonderful book that reminds me of one of my favorite Renaissance Festivals. It's quite uplifting. When I'm having a bad day, all I have to do is open the pages to laugh along with Ryna and Bea, and all of the other life-like characters of the Renaissance Festival family.” ~Karen Scott, Amazon.com review

“From the Ashes is the kind of book that makes you want to go out and find the charecters and places in it when you have finished reading it. Everything is so real, so alive, you can't help but want to seek it out for yourself.... The author shows a maturity that I find lacking in most books in the genre, I can't wait for the next one.” ~ A Reader, Amazon.com review

“Meghan Brunner holds her own with some of the best story tellers of our time. Her annecdotes of the fun, heartache and hardships... bring to life the ambiance of faire... But over and above that, she weaves a complex tale of karma that spans centuries and blends true magick, mystery, passion and loyalty that keep the reader wanting more. ~ Mary Bowerman, Amazon.com review



Reviews on Bravenet (various readers, entered in guestbook-style format)

 

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