Path of Fate

Unlike other fantasy novels I have struggled through in the past, with omnipotently dynamic main characters that exist outside of the world they live in, Di Francis has created a place where the soul, magic and nature work together. What brings Kodu Riik together as a community is this mythology that thrives in every single person in the town of Kallas. I like the way that purpose and meaning was woven into the daily ritual of guards, innkeepers and even the homeless squatting outside the town walls. By establishing a vibrant community like this from the beginning, Di Francis instilled a unique vitality to the main character, Reisil, the newest "ahalad-kaaslane"; guardians with animal companions chosen by "The Blessed Lady" to protect "her people". Reisil had many personal struggles that tugged at her new responsibility and I liked that. Even those with mystical powers can feel all-too-human insecurities at their heels sometimes. Reisil's struggle honored the complexity of being human; that there are times that you must listen to your inner truth instead of following the "official" wisdom sanctioned by elders who over time may have been blinded by their egoes. I could go on and on but I'll get to the point - obviously, I LOVED THIS BOOK and look forward to picking up PATH OF HONOR when it hits the shelves!!!

Having been a long time reader of fantasy fiction, I had my doubts the first few chapters in the book, which seemed to bristle with restrained emotion and hidden feelings -- the same which Reisil has as she denies Saljane day after day. But by the end of the novel, my heart soared with the shared heart of Reisil and Saljane.Diana Francis shows a wonderful command of the English language that seems to be lacking in many mass-marketed fantasy fiction in recent years. She allows a rich sensuality in her words in just the right amount -- enough to light the scenes for you in your own imagination, to stir your own senses in harmony with Reisil's, and to help you join Reisil on her journey. The book is highly spiritual, and will most certainly please nature lovers as well as fantasy fiction lovers. When you reach the end of the journey, and find it is not over yet, you will also be waiting with anxious breath for the next flight of Reisal and Saljane.

Reisil didn't want to be ahalad-kaslane, but when the daughter of the Patversemese ambasador is kidnapped, she sees that she has no choice. She sets out with her goshawk, Saljane, on a journey to find both the kidnapped woman and herself. Along the way she learns what it means to be ahalad-kaslane and just how important Saljane is to her.Although this novel seems complete by itself with its solid ending, I can't wait for the next book. There is so much more than can happen as Reisil and Saljane embark on the journey to becoming trained ahalad-kaslane.

How do you do justice to the first novel written by someone you admire? I feel that the description available here doesn't do this book service at all, and many people won't read what they don't understand. I urge anyone who sees this: please read this book!Reisiltark desires only to belong. She has fought her whole life to find a place for herself, building up to being Kallas' resident healer after the death of her mentor. And when it seems that she has finally accomplished her goal, Saljane, her bonded ahalad-kaaslane, comes to tear down her perceptions of herself and her world.The names may become a bit confusing for some who are insistant on being able to pronounce everyone's name. That aside, there is a reason this book is universally touching: it reveals the simple human desire to be ourselves and yet belong, a conflict that we all struggle with. She laughs and cries, makes mistakes and helpful realisations. She's strong, stubborn...yet afraid of recrimination. It doesn't matter if we live in the US or in Kodu Riik, Reisil is the epitome of "us." The best part of the book was reaching the end and realising how far Reisil had come as a person -- and hoping that she will continue to move forward.I look forward to following her struggles, saving Kodu Riik, bonding further with Saljane...and ultimately fulfilling herself. The second book cannot come fast enough.

Ever since she was a baby, abandoned by her mother all Reisil ever wanted was a place to call home. Growing up in Kallas, she was fostered to different families so that nobody would have to bear the burden of another mouth to feed for any extended periods. When Reisil is old enough, the village pays for her training as a healer and she hopes that they will want her to stay with them permanently.Just when it looks like her dream will come true; the goshawk comes to bond with Reisil, choosing her to be one of the Lady's soldiers in the fight against evil. Reisil tries to avoid this dubious honor but when a noble woman from another country is kidnapped in Kallas and spirited away, Reisil accepts her destiny to find her. If she fails, the realm of Kudas will be plunged into war against an army that can use magic to cause terrible harm.Very rarely does a writer's first novel come along that is so realistic and emotionally moving that it achieves total acclaim from reviewers and readers alike. PATH OF FATE will because of the strong protagonist who grows and changes to meet each situation that comes her way. She charms her way into the readers' hearts and the audience will adore the special relationship she has with Saljane the goshawk who has a winning and loveable personality of her own.Harriet Klausner