Tomes of Spellcasting

Welcome to the land of mystery, where the impossible is possible, and the improbable the reality. Join me as I investigate worlds filled with magic and meet the souls that wield this wondrous powers.

W A R N I N G !

This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.

That said, on to the review!

Title: The Barbed Coil
Author: J. V. Jones
Publisher: Warner Aspect
Format: Hardcover
Copyright Date: 1997

Tessa McCamfrey has suffered from tinnitus her entire life. She does what she can to deal with it and goes on with her life. Then, she stumbles across the remains of a bank robbery: numerous safety deposit boxes opened and their contents scattered across a clearing. Amid the jumble of envelopes, papers, and mementos she discovers an intricately fashioned ring. This is no ordinary ring, however. It is a savagely blood-thirsty thing that pierces her with one of her barbs. In an instant she is no longer in Southen California...but where is she?

She appears in the middle of a battle, and it shapes the course of her life for a long time to come. A legitimate claimant to the throne of Garizon plucks her from danger and harbors her. Another claimant recruits her aid in stopping the war-monger wearing Garizon's crown, the Barbed Coil. Soon Tessa finds herself caught up in a struggle for power as a kingdom wracked with inner turmoil seeks to invade another to settle its problems at home. All the while, however, she finds her path dodged by strange, monstrous warriors bent on destroying her. She doesn't know why they're so intent on her death, but the reason isn't important: surviving is.

Soon she learns the truth of the magic suffusing the world, and discovers her strange talent to shape and wield the mysterious power. The art of scribes is a tool of power, and hers is a strength greater than most. Those who helped her found her a valiant and courageous soul. Now she has something more to contribute. But there are those that know what she is, what she can be, and what she can do, and they'll stop at nothing to prevent her interference. Tessa's only hope is to master her unexpected gift and fight magic with magic, but is there time for her to acquire the wisdom and understanding it took others years to master?

This is the first book by J. V. Jones I've ever read, and it is a masterpiece! The sheer volume of it intimidated me, but I found myself loathe to ever put it down, even to sleep! The premises of this new world are easy to accept and understand, so you'll have no problem adjusting to the situation. Just sit down, pick up the book, and start reading! It's as easy as that!

Rating: Thumbs up! Remember Jena from Emerald House Rising? Here's another book where craft takes center stage!

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