The Wretched of Muirwood

Legends of Muirwood, Book 1

By: Jeff Wheeler

Narrated by: Kate Rudd

In the ancient and mystical land of Muirwood, Lia has known only a life of servitude. Labeled a “wretched”, an outcast unwanted and unworthy of respect, Lia is forbidden to realize her dream to read or write. All but doomed, her days are spent toiling away as a kitchen slave under the charge of the Aldermaston, the Abbey’s watchful overseer. But when an injured squire named Colvin is abandoned at the kitchen’s doorstep, an opportunity arises. The nefarious Sheriff Almaguer soon starts a manhunt for Colvin, and Lia conspires to hide Colvin and change her fate. In the midst of a land torn by a treacherous war between a ruthless king and a rebel army, Lia finds herself on an ominous journey that will push her to wonder if her own hidden magic is enough to set things right. At once captivating, mysterious, and magic-infused, The Wretched of Muirwood takes the classic fantasy adventure and paints it with a story instantly epic, and yet, all its own.

©2011 by Jeff Wheeler. (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

A great read

Loved it. It is one of the books that I come back to when I don't have anything new to read.

Unique fantasy

I found this a unique fantasy story. It was interesting to see where things were going. Magic from leer stones, the lead character being able to do things she shouldn't even be allowed to do let alone able, and the question of what the Aldermaston knew and wasn't telling were just some things that led up to an interesting story. I didn't need the Book 1 in the title to know it was a set up for a Book 2. It left a lot of unanswered questions.
The book was missing humor. I think I laughed once. I like a little bit of laughter in a story, but that is just me.

The narrator had her good and bad points. She excelled at creating believable voices for various characters. I like it when one character doesn't sound the same exact way as all other characters of that gender.
But, there was a bit much in the area of drama. Too much emotion made the main character seem weaker than she really was and ruined the story a bit for me. I know she would cry, but I don't think it was supposed to be like big weepy crocodile tears but more like overwhelming emotions from a strong person who isn't making a scene. Kate Rudd also made the other characters seem like drama queens sometimes.

Amazing!

I have fallen for Lia! Another great beinging to another one of Wheeler's fantastic trilogies of Muirwood! Every character beautifully made and easily relatable. And the brilliant lore building that is done, adding and expanding on the history of this universe is magnificent! Also, Kate Rudd never fails to help bring Wheeler's tale to life with her astounding performance!

so many things right about this book!

I've taken to reading the books that my grandchildren read as well as read books I think they'd like. I've bought this series for my granddaughters.
I love the female lead who shows great courage at the age if 14. She knows her mind and does not become bitter when she is betrayed and looked down upon by others. She learns that love can come from an non-traditional family and the value of hard work.
A young reader can learn much from this book and subsequent series including honesty, integrity, actions vs. consequences, holding on to dreams even when the odds are stacked against you and that far-reaching concept of "it begins with a thought"...thoughts that can bring about good or evil. I highly recommend this book and series for any age.
The narrator is very good. within the first chapter of the book I was convinced the male characters were male.

Great story

This was a great start to something bigger. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. Jeff Wheeler tends to wrap things up but you know he's gonna keep going and you'll have more to experience in these books. Gonna keep on reading and find out where our protagonist is headed.