The Dragon's Tapestry

The scene is set with an "Oldwife" (healer and almost-priestess) attending the birth of a daughter to Srill, an unmarried mother in a small village of Ve. An Oldwife is present at the birth of every child, to divine destiny and record it in a personal tapestry, which is a passport to acceptance. Those without one, we are told, are considered 'soulless' and are outcasts from society. When Srill dies immediately after giving birth to the child (Marwen), for whom the Oldwife has forseen a dire future, & Oldwife adopts Marwen, out of affection for her mother & raises Marwen to know of her gifts & magic, as apprentice. Because the tapestry was so dire, it has been hidden from Marwen and she has been ostracized by the villagers of Marmawell as soulless. (I know! Names ?!) In her desire to prove herself, Marwen makes some horrifying mistakes, forcing her to start on her adventures. As she travels she is faced with choices at every step, until eventually she must confront her destiny, and vanquish the dragon threatening the realm of Ve. Essentially a story of self-discovery, and latterly a tender love story, The Dragon's Tapestry is decorated with some very fine creatures and well conceived worlds. One of the most fascinating creatures are the "wingwand's" who seem to be some sort of butterfly/dragonfly amalgam, and are used for travelling - flying, rather. They are exquisitely described, and fascinating to imagine. I was very impressed with the thought, and detail put into this (single volume I thought, and now know it is a trilogy) tale. It is certainly a better realised plot & world than most small (the book is only 183odd pages, paperback) YA fantasy novels. Eagerly anticipating the other books, where we should see more of the romance, and certainly more of strong minded Marwen. kotori, Dec 2004 [email protected]

This was one of the best fantasy/fiction books that I've read. Definitely worth the time and money.

Nay, not for Grades 2-3 rather for anyone who wants a good read, and loves magic. This writer doesn't cheat, Martine delivers the goods. Her ability to weave words into a spell, is her magic. Read it,don't fear the Taker.