Mystic and Rider

The Twelve Houses, Book 1

By: Sharon Shinn

Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck, Sharon Shinn

Length: 15 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

The fire mystic Senneth crosses the country of Gillengaria on a mission for the king, trying to discover if noble marlords from the Twelve Houses are planning an uprising.

She is accompanied by the soldiers Justin and Tayse, two King's Riders who are unswervingly loyal to the crown. Also on the journey are the shape-changers Kirra and Donnal, and a young mystic named Cammon who can practically read minds.

It's soon clear that not only are marlords planning a rebellion, but that they are being aided by Daughters of the Pale Mother, a fanatical religious sect that hates mystics. While Senneth can clearly take care of herself, Tayse finds himself unable to stop watching her - determined both to protect her and to uncover her secrets.

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by author Sharon Shinn.

House hunting? Download more in The Twelve Houses series.

©2006 Sharon Shinn (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Tailor-made for the growing audience of fantasy fans who like a good juicy romance." (Publishers Weekly)
"Never tripping over the plot twists and complications, Shinn gives us an easy, absorbing, high-quality read sans gratuitous bloodshed and violence." (Booklist)
"Shinn's most successful book." (SF Revue)

Absolutely Loved This Book!

After finishing Elizabeth Moon's DOP series and Oath of Fealty, narrated by Jennifer Van Dyck, I looked for other works narrated by Van Dyck. She is the most amazing narrator I have ever listened to. Saw this and decided to try it. WOW. The story was very original. Shape shifters, sensitives, healers, etc. The characters were so much fun to get to know. Like Moon, Sharon Shinn is expert at creating interesting characters that seem so real. Jennifer Van Dyck as always delivers a 5-star performance. I am amazed at how she is able to create such a variety of character voices that make it so easy to differentiate each character. I absolutely loved this book and jumped right on the second in this series. Recommend highly!

thrilling

a great adventure that takes you along emotionally. loved it. can't wait for the next book

A delicious distraction

This is the first of a five book series. It is grand escape. The characters are distinctive-each with their own arc that evolves over the entire series. The writing is interesting and intelligent. The world building is full and detailed and intriguing. There is adventure, intricate friendships, dangerous situations, despicable enemies,romance and passion. No gratuitous sex but lots of long slow builds that simmer until fully evolved. There is magic and intrigue and swordplay and humor and irony.This is one of my favorites of Sharon Shinn's very distinctive worlds. I read these books before they showed up on audible. The narrator varies through out the series. This is a good listen.
Two other authors I love to read are Ilona Andrews and Jane Austen-just to give you some context. Their books all draw me in and keep me immersed.

Mystic and Rider is a great read!

What made the experience of listening to Mystic and Rider the most enjoyable?

I loved the development of each character; amidst all the action, her characters stand out in my mind.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the strong characters and seeing each develop as the story continued.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in which Senneth confronted Coralinda at the Lumen Convent to rescue Tayse.
Next would be the scene where Tayse finds out that Senneth is a Seramara of a great house.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to, but did not allow myself to indulge. I made myself stretch it out. Since then I've listened to it numerous times. It is my favorite book.

Any additional comments?

Sharon Shinn's novels of the Twelve Houses are among the best I've ever read. I was so happy to see them on Audible. While there certainly is plenty of action, the character development and her underlying premise of the clear danger of religious fanatacism should send a message to us all.

Perfect find! Simple story but very well written

Absolutely loved this. Wonderful author, voice actor was perfect, and I’m immediately moving onto the next book.

Slow Moving Fantasy for Young Readers

I found the book difficult to finish because there is very little action or humour. It is told from a woman's perspective and the story never moves beyond the predictable. There is no thief or trickster amongst the companions to add colour to the story. I would categorize this as a young adult book that should appeal to young women interested in fantasy. It is not a stand-alone book and I will not be purchasing the second book.

Simple and not good

The characters are interesting but the story is very hollow and trite. Everything is very contrived and the story doesn't really have an arc or goal in mind but just rambles on and on with elementary situations. A disappointing listen with no real path to a story.