Quentaris is a fantasy world filled with magic. The stories written in this world are by various Australian authors. The books are stand-alone adventure stories written for young adults. Recently, I’ve read three books in this series. They are:
The Murderers’ Apprentice by Pamela Freeman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The title attracted me to this story. I’d read other Quentaris books some years ago and enjoyed them, so decided to purchase this one. It wasn’t until I got home and examined the book more closely that I realised it was written by Pamela Freeman, author of The Castings Trilogy, which I loved.
The main character of The Murderers’ Apprentice is named Merrith. She is apprenticed to become an assassin with the Murderers’ Guild. But Merrith doesn’t actually like killing people and she’s not doing too well in her lessons as a result.
But she can’t just walk away from the guild as a prophecy has everyone else convinced that she’s going to save Quentaris. Unlikely as it sounds to her, she goes through the Rift Caves and attempts to do her job.
The book is easy to read and easy to absorb. I enjoyed the story line and liked the characters. Whilst I wouldn’t consider the book ‘deep’, sometimes that’s not what I want when reading. I accepted the book for what it is and should be — entertaining.
Nightmare In Quentaris by Michael Pryor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book in the series is written by one of the editors and concerns a well-known character in the series, Nisha, who is accompanied by her friend, Tal.
I remembered these two from the other books I’ve read in the series, so it was nice to return to them and read another of their adventures.
This time, something strange is happening at the Old Tree Guesthouse–where the pair live with the guesthouse owner, Arna. The other employees are acting weird and wondering off, deliveries are not turning up, and there are not many patrons or guests coming to the guesthouse either.
Yet when Nisha and Tal wander the city there is plenty going on elsewhere. Could it have something to do with the scary looking guest who checked in a few days beforehand or is there another reason? Nisha and Tal are determined to find out.
I would say this book is a mini-mystery book. It’s not too complex, which again makes the book easy to read and digest. There’s plenty going on to keep the reader’s interest. And, a few twists and turns have been thrown in to throw the reader off the track.
Beneath Quentaris: Quentaris Chronicles by Michael Pryor
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is another Nisha and Tal adventure, written by one of the editors of the series.
In this one, Nisha is sent on a quest to learn more about her ‘fire’ ability. At the same time she is helping some old residents who are trapped Beneath Quentaris and is hoping to obtain an amulet that she can use to hone her skills.
This book is the simplest story I’ve read in the series. There’s no real danger or urgency. The characters are on a quest and are learning more about themselves, their world and the magic that surrounds them. The story may be simple, but that doesn’t translate to boring. It’s well written and enjoyable.
What I like about these books is that they are easy to read. Sometimes, I have so much going on in my life that I can’t get my mind around complex stories. To just sit and read and enjoy is important. No effort is required for the Quentaris Chronicles and for me that’s a good way to relax on any day.