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Title: Elske
ISBN: 0689844441
Author:
Cynthia Voigt
Publicate Date: 2001-07-01
Publish: 2001-07-01
List Price: $12.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $0.91
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $0.01
Amazon Merchant Price: $12.95
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| Customer Review: |
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1: SACRIFICES FOR THE KINGDOM
Interspersed with gentle references to the mythical protagonist of a previous novel, JACKAROO, this story continues Voight's predilection for resourceful heroines. Set in an unspecified medieval world of fictitious geography this book presents a very young heroine who barely escapes rape and immolation as the chosen Death Maiden among the heartless Volkaric horde. Raised as a Wolfer this daughter of a gentler clime and culture avoids both fates thanks to the wisely intense foresight of her grandmother--who chose to design her own revenge on her captors.
In Trastad--a merchant city located on three islands--Elske
learns the Norther tongue, gradually relaxes in a new, more humane
lifestyle, eventually discovering that men and women can enjoy each other's private company in ways undreamed of by the hated Fruchtmen.
But when she is assigned as the servant of the Fiendly Princess--Beriel, the Queen-in-waiting--that Elske comes of political and emotional age.
Now 15 she provides invaluable service to her new mistress, who, despite her prickly, imperious manner, manages to win Elske's undying loyalty over the girl's natural obligation to her two first lords, known as Vars. But what is the fascination of this mysterious new weapon called "black powder" which men risk their lives to possess? Does Science have the power or the right to usher in the end the feudal lifestyle? Will both maid and mistress always scorn the idea of the marriage bed? How can a mere girl orphan help the future Queen regain her crown and her reputation in the distant South? Family dynamics are challenged as treachery and revenge are unleashed into an already beleaguered realm. Cleverly plotted with deep insight into the mysteries of the human heart, ELSKE proves satisfying fiction for both adults and YA readers.
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2: Good fantasy read, mature themes, best for older teens
This was a well written story, any fantasy lover will be captivated by the complete world presented. The characters are strong and memorable. Elske is a compelling heroine that sets out on her own and her wit charms many men, but only one "knows the sweet honey of her name..."
I found the author's exploration of a woman's role in the world a little predictable, but still interesting to read. The main character travels and lives in three different societies where women are treated in relatively different and sometimes brutally violent ways and readers are suppose to draw their own conclusions. I'm sure most young adult readers won't notice how formulaic it is, especially girl readers (If anything, they enjoy that and that's half the appeal of fantasy titles.)
What bothers me the most is the violence that is depicted with the Volkaric society. The first chapter has a mass rape along side with the exposure of unwanted girl babies out to feed the wolves (which the main character & her grandmother against that society's express customs snap their necks before exposing them in a stroke of mercy.) I understand the author's use of it as a contrast, and it is not a "glorified" type of violence. The darkness and evil of the Volkaric only makes Elske's character all the more luminous and good. But the violence is there all the same. There is also another "rape" that is featured in the story's plot, one that involves an unwanted pregnancy. Again, it is not glorified, but it does take a serious and complicated matter and wraps it up pretty in two chapters.
People who monitor what their children read may want to hold off on letting their younger teens read this. (I found this book in the adult section of my library and approved the librarian's discretion.) Some people will pooh-pooh this warning, some people don't care what their kids read, as long as they are reading. I myself worry that when kids are exposed to too much violence, they get de-sensitized to it. So take care with this title, its a good read, but has very mature themes in it.
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3: Voigt could and should have done much better
I believe that Cynthia Voigt's previous installment in her "Kingdom" series was "The Wings of the Falcon". This is the only other book out of the series that I have completely read as of yet; however, it gave me the impression that Voigt is capable of writing much, much better novels than she did this time around. In "Elske", Voigt goes way into detail with less interesting events- banquets, walking from point A to point B, and so on and so forth. She also seems far too enamored by the pretty brightness and cleverness of the protagonist she has created, making much of how quick-witted Elske is while failing to put in any significant internal conflicts or character flaws that would have made her more compelling.
One thing that would have improved the story would have been if Voigt had gone more into depth about the more interesting events of the story, or at least had Elske react more strongly to them. For example, another reviewer here spoke of the relationship between Elske and Dugald, her love interest. Voigt must have put in around five short interactions between the two- more or less- before they were confessing their desire for one another. And those interactions were not very deep, either- somehow, they failed to be convincing. Birle's spontaneous love in "On Fortune's Wheel" was much more convincing than Elske's; Cynthia Voigt could have made much more of it.
Now, don't get me wrong- "Elske" is not necessarily a bad novel. The way the world and time period were depicted, as well as the customs and traditions of the peoples who inhabited it, were all very well fleshed-out and believable. However, the characters and plot were a huge disappointment after having read the much more gripping "Falcon" and parts of "On Fortune's Wheel". Perhaps the story would have been better if it had been told from the viewpoint of Beriel, the other protagonist of the story. Else was simply too bland and failed to compel. There were no faults evident in her character- she was just a pretty, modest, clever, quick-witted girl. There really was no depth to her. She reacted to just about everything with a calm that was supposed to depict her strength of character and whatnot, but really just came across as dull. Beriel, on the other hand, had a much more fiery character and went through a great deal of external AND internal conflict throughout the story- not to mention the fact that the things that befell her were far more interesting than anything that happened to Elske.
However, Elske herself aside, on its own plenty of people will enjoy reading her story. Those who really found Cynthia Voigt's other books deeper and more interesting should be a bit disappointed.
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4: Beware of mature subject matter
13-year-old Elske escapes rape and certain death at the hands of the leaders of her barbaric [Volkaric] society. She leaves her homeland and, through several contacts, finally becomes handmaiden to Beriel. Together they work to claim Beriel's rightful throne in the kingdom.
This book should be for mature readers only. The Volkaric society is barbaric in that there is mention that men rape women in multiples, babies are given to wolves, etc. This thread goes through the book, not in a sickening way, but being descriptive of the society. Later, there is mention of a woman's bleeding time and the description of the birth process.
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5: A timless tale of loyalty
Cynthia Voight has woven a colorful tale that captures and steals the heart of the reader. If you enjoy reading a book about a timeless devotion to one another then this book is for you. The intricate tale of two women striving to bring order to the Kingdom will cause you to wonder and question the outcome of the book. you wiil find yourself caught in the tale until the last page has turned. If you do not believe me, then i sugest that you go and buy yourself a copy. Yes buy it, not check it out. This book will be one you want on your self so that you may enjoy it time and time again.
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