Official Review: Skyseeker's Princess by Miriam Verbeek
Posted: 14 Jun 2020, 14:37
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Skyseeker's Princess" by Miriam Verbeek.]
The Skyseeker’s Princess, which introduces us to a fictional island in the Antarctic Ocean, is the first book in Miriam Verbeek’s Songs of Si’empra trilogy. Its princess, Ellen, flees the palace of Si’Empra’s central city after her half-brother, Redel, heinously abuses her. She finds shelter with a group of fugitives representing both her own Skyseeker society and the Crystalmaker race, a human species that inhabit tunnels below the island’s surface. As Ellen’s psyche heals, she unconsciously begins to assume leadership in the survival of the worker-classes of both societies.
Si’Empra is an isolated and ancient land where the harsh, rugged landscape of Antarctic winter contrasts with the intensely colored growth of its brief summer. The island’s original inhabitants, the Cryptals, are non-human but intelligent burrowers, who have a role in controlling the geothermal energy of the island. Their fumes carry an addictive intoxicant that is poisonous in large quantities. Their tanned hides are valuable. Their fur is used to weave cryptal-cloth and is the raw material to create synthetic crystals. The underground Crystalmaker guilds have learned how to make a porcelain-like material that is almost invisible and can infuse its surroundings with light, sound, and color. The most precious of these crystals can also stimulate the emotions of those in the immediate vicinity. For eons, the Crystalmakers had traded these manufactured rarities for the farm products of the aboveground Skyseekers. Both groups lived in a closed, symbiotic relationship. Until recently, that is. The Skyseekers have established contact with the outside world. They are increasingly trading for food and modern goods with outside nations. This shift away from agriculture is widening the gap between haves and have-nots, stressing the winter provisions of the island’s poor.
The author, Miriam Verbeek, makes use of well-written contrasts in her descriptions of the land and its people. The wind-swept craggy peaks tower over lush, sheltered valleys. There are tumbles of grey slag next to the rainbow waterfalls and flashing goldfish. With elaborate decorative architecture against primitive subterranean halls, she emphasizes the disparity between the two human societies. She shows two-wheeled carts drawn by goats alongside modern conveyances. Without saying as much, the author shows that the elite of both societies are oblivious to the worsening conditions among the lower classes.
I liked Ellen as a protagonist. She suffers all the insecurities of a normal adolescent along with the debilitating effect of sexual abuse. Nonetheless, the author manages to let her nobility shine through. It is noteworthy that the author does not create a hierarchy of the aristocracy. Other than the King, all of the royalty of the Skyseekers are "Lians." In choosing to introduce Lian Ellen as the combined lineage of both Skyseekers and Crystalmakers, the author hints that she will be a unifying force in the plot.
The antagonist, King Redel, is portrayed as a despicable character right from the beginning. The author shows him hunting and slaughtering Cryptals as they creep from their tunnels to gather food. He is fostering an unnatural closeness with his daughter, which foreshadows more heartache for the royal family. His self-talk, as depicted by the author, becomes increasingly maniacal. Although I disliked the character, I admired the author’s ability to deepen my aversion.
In selecting this book for review, I was unaware that it was a series book. Normally, I avoid these because I dislike being left with unresolved issues that demand I buy the next book or two. This book was different. There was no cliffhanger ending, and I enjoyed the believability of this outrageous environment. The situations resolved realistically, and the book was peopled with relatable characters. My rating is four out of four stars for its well-edited and concise arrangement. There was really nothing I disliked about the Skyseeker’s Princess, although opening with theft and rape was a little shocking. It would not be suitable for immature readers. I would expect the plot to attract fantasy-lovers more than it would sci-fi fans. It would be particularly engaging for those who can recognize the politics of power in its fictional sociology. I look forward to seeing what happens after the Princess of the Skyseekers comes of age.
******
Skyseeker's Princess
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The Skyseeker’s Princess, which introduces us to a fictional island in the Antarctic Ocean, is the first book in Miriam Verbeek’s Songs of Si’empra trilogy. Its princess, Ellen, flees the palace of Si’Empra’s central city after her half-brother, Redel, heinously abuses her. She finds shelter with a group of fugitives representing both her own Skyseeker society and the Crystalmaker race, a human species that inhabit tunnels below the island’s surface. As Ellen’s psyche heals, she unconsciously begins to assume leadership in the survival of the worker-classes of both societies.
Si’Empra is an isolated and ancient land where the harsh, rugged landscape of Antarctic winter contrasts with the intensely colored growth of its brief summer. The island’s original inhabitants, the Cryptals, are non-human but intelligent burrowers, who have a role in controlling the geothermal energy of the island. Their fumes carry an addictive intoxicant that is poisonous in large quantities. Their tanned hides are valuable. Their fur is used to weave cryptal-cloth and is the raw material to create synthetic crystals. The underground Crystalmaker guilds have learned how to make a porcelain-like material that is almost invisible and can infuse its surroundings with light, sound, and color. The most precious of these crystals can also stimulate the emotions of those in the immediate vicinity. For eons, the Crystalmakers had traded these manufactured rarities for the farm products of the aboveground Skyseekers. Both groups lived in a closed, symbiotic relationship. Until recently, that is. The Skyseekers have established contact with the outside world. They are increasingly trading for food and modern goods with outside nations. This shift away from agriculture is widening the gap between haves and have-nots, stressing the winter provisions of the island’s poor.
The author, Miriam Verbeek, makes use of well-written contrasts in her descriptions of the land and its people. The wind-swept craggy peaks tower over lush, sheltered valleys. There are tumbles of grey slag next to the rainbow waterfalls and flashing goldfish. With elaborate decorative architecture against primitive subterranean halls, she emphasizes the disparity between the two human societies. She shows two-wheeled carts drawn by goats alongside modern conveyances. Without saying as much, the author shows that the elite of both societies are oblivious to the worsening conditions among the lower classes.
I liked Ellen as a protagonist. She suffers all the insecurities of a normal adolescent along with the debilitating effect of sexual abuse. Nonetheless, the author manages to let her nobility shine through. It is noteworthy that the author does not create a hierarchy of the aristocracy. Other than the King, all of the royalty of the Skyseekers are "Lians." In choosing to introduce Lian Ellen as the combined lineage of both Skyseekers and Crystalmakers, the author hints that she will be a unifying force in the plot.
The antagonist, King Redel, is portrayed as a despicable character right from the beginning. The author shows him hunting and slaughtering Cryptals as they creep from their tunnels to gather food. He is fostering an unnatural closeness with his daughter, which foreshadows more heartache for the royal family. His self-talk, as depicted by the author, becomes increasingly maniacal. Although I disliked the character, I admired the author’s ability to deepen my aversion.
In selecting this book for review, I was unaware that it was a series book. Normally, I avoid these because I dislike being left with unresolved issues that demand I buy the next book or two. This book was different. There was no cliffhanger ending, and I enjoyed the believability of this outrageous environment. The situations resolved realistically, and the book was peopled with relatable characters. My rating is four out of four stars for its well-edited and concise arrangement. There was really nothing I disliked about the Skyseeker’s Princess, although opening with theft and rape was a little shocking. It would not be suitable for immature readers. I would expect the plot to attract fantasy-lovers more than it would sci-fi fans. It would be particularly engaging for those who can recognize the politics of power in its fictional sociology. I look forward to seeing what happens after the Princess of the Skyseekers comes of age.
******
Skyseeker's Princess
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
I believe, this book describes some fascinating fantasy world really worth exploring. Thank you for a great review!