Review: The Grimoire: Lichgates by S.M. Boyce

The Grimoire: Lichgates (Book 1 of the Grimoire Trilogy)
S.M.Boyce
CreateSpace, November 3, 2011

Review by Felicia Wetzig

The Grimoire: Lichgates is a Fantasy novel by S.M. Boyce. Fantasy is not usually my thing (I can only think of The Princess Bride, Lord of the Rings, and The Witch and the Wombat), but I left this book ready for more. Every time a question is answered or a problem resolved a new one pops up in its place. The wonderful thing is, even in a foreign world of magic and strange creatures, things make sense.

Kara is a college student, hiking through the Rocky Mountains while on break, she stumbles upon a mysterious gazebo in the middle of the woods which leads to a door in the side of a mountain. Extenuating circumstances convince her to open the door, inside she becomes trapped in a library and finds a strange book – The Grimoire. By opening the book, she unknowingly took on a great responsibility and becomes bound to another world, Ourea. This world is filled with beautiful sites and exotic creatures, but it is also a very dangerous place, especially for the keeper of the Grimoire.

One of the first people Kara meets is Braeden. Braeden has led a very complicated life, dependent on the lies he must tell every day to stay alive. The Grimoire holds an opportunity for him to escape this life, and his fate. He becomes Kara’s protector, doing everything in his power to earn her trust and keep her and the Grimoire safe.

The great thing about this fantasy novel is the inclusion of a “human” experiencing this world for the first time. Readers get to experience her skepticism and wonder as she learns about this new world. Kara, in light of her current situation, comes of as a strong and determined character. She may not have what it takes to protect Ourea yet, but she has a lot to learn. I spent most of the novel wondering about Braeden–he seemed sincere, but his ultimate intentions were murky for a while. I loved him, I wanted to believe in him, but I always had a bit of doubt in the back of my mind.  Despite my cynicism, my favorite scenes involved the rapport between Braeden and Kara. He is someone she can be herself with, and relate to. Through some parts of the story it is unclear how their relationship will develop, whether he’ll remain a protector figure or evolve into something else. It all creates a wonderful tension in the background of Kara’s much larger struggles.

Okay, I normally find something to complain about right? Well, I’m actually finding that incredibly difficult, maybe if I was a fantasy lover who had spent my entire life reading fantasy novels there would be something that stood out. I can’t find it. The world Boyce built in this novel was fantastic, the story flowed, and I certainly didn’t want to put it down. There were a few things that just seemed too convenient, but I could live with it.

My recommendation – go out and buy this book now. I had it on my Kindle for weeks before I got a chance to read it, but take my advice – don’t wait!

Learn more about the author, S.M. Boyce on her website and check out The Grimoire Online.

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