Review of "Ladysmith," by Rhavensfyre

The publisher's blurb, "Sometimes stories are more than myth and legend. What has been forgotten cannot be suppressed, and nightmares can come alive in your dreams," hints that the story of Ladysmith surpasses the largess of legend and the scope of myth.  Certainly such a claim seems a tall orer for any author to fill.  While the novel was intrepid, it could not move into the stratosphere of legend, or even legendary writes within the fantasy genre suc as Anne McCaffery.  However, hyperbole aside, Rhavensfyre's Ladysmith proved to be a satisfying read, in many respects.

Good fantasy fiction bold enough to nod in the direction of Irish and European tapestry of folklore by employing elements of fairy, should avoid any overwrought, insipid use of the folkloric archetypes, in order to develop a unique plot. A first rate story must be able to hold its own within the tradition, and, Ladysmith, achieves that status.  It can hold its own.

Rhavensfyre adeptly maneuvers the plot through a rich, colorful, multi-layered fantasy-scape without becoming bogged down in syrupy sweetness, triteness, and otherbtrappings, which often accompany works deemed “fantasy” where “fantasy” actually means “romance with fairies.” The romance of Ladysmith blossomed in the world-within-world construct of fantasy while the elements of the folkloric made sense as well.

What moved this reviewer most, was the incredible depth of description which seemed more like paintings shaped by words than paragraphs – each syllable casts its own, unique shadow, emotion, and shape within the scene. The mind’s eye could “see” the facial expressions of the characters, “feel” the dampness of the grass, the chill of the stonework. Needless to say, the descriptions and imagery were breathtaking. Each page was vibrantly captivating, allowing the reader to wander beside the characters in a lush, rich landscape: generating veracity and complexity of emotion, masterfully articulated by characters via physical description and in voice.

Rhavensfyre offers the reader an excellent escape from the mundane world from cover to cover. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction – especially fantasy fiction within a traditional, archetypal framework.