Vika’s YA Fantasy Review: Silver Tongue by Evelyn Ink

SILVER TONGUE BY EVELYN INK

Ecopy thanks to the author

Synopsis from Goodreads

Deep in the tunnels and passages of the Grendel mines there is a mystery waiting to be uncovered – a secret weapon left behind and forgotten to all, but a few. As the alliances of a once stable country shift and rumors of civil war take rise, another mystery surfaces: children are disappearing. All over Shalendorf in every city and every province – young men and women are simply … vanishing. When the parlormaid from the Manse at Ivorydeep disappears along with two children from Catchfrost, Belin Vaulatrix is forced to take notice. For even far from Casterwick and the turmoil of the ruling families, Belin is having some drama of her own. A single letter sealed with the crest of the royal family has brought her world crashing down. It is a request she cannot refuse and as the rumors, mystery, and tensions build, Belin plans a disappearance of her own.

Amazon kindle US/UK | Smashwords

7/10

***

When I received a request from Evelyn Ink asking me to review her new YA fantasy – Silver Tongue, I was a bit hesitant at first. But the premise caught my attention, so I decided to give it a try and am very happy that I did because Silver Tongue turned out to be a great read. The fantasy world created herein was interesting and unique, the characters fun and exciting, and with plenty of action, adventure and a bit of mystery to urge the plot on, I was quite engrossed and thoroughly entertained in my reading.



The story follows Belin Vaulatrix, a feisty fifteen year old, who is about to be married off to a prince, except that Belin has other plans and taking matters into her own hands runs away. Only her escape is abruptly halted and instead she finds herself a prisoner deep in the mines, along with other kids whose mysterious disappearances have sparked rumors of unrest across Shalendorf. Now, treading carefully Belin must uncover who abducted her and what mystery awaits them in the old mines…

“Continuing to stare into the dark, she couldn’t let the question go: what would the Grendels have that someone might want? Now. Years later… something still preserved within the mines?”

Belin was a great character, impulsive and bratty at times, she turned out to be a fierce fighter, brave and honorable in the face of danger, and yet once all was said and done she was back to being the same silly girl which was quite funny and refreshing. She also reminded me of Lyra Belacqua from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series, and interesting enough Lyra is also known as Lyra Silvertongue (perhaps the title of this book is a nod to the aforementioned series). Either way, Belin was quite a character and her snarky commentary on the events added a humorous touch to a somewhat dark story.

The first part of the novel is told solely from Belin’s POV, but second and third switch narratives to other characters as well, giving the reader a chance to witness events outside of Belin’s viewpoint. There is a great cast of interesting characters aiding in Belin’s quest, from Sender (Belin’s childhood friend and romantic interest), to Leon (who was quiet mysterious and intriguing), to Aeolus, Myra and many others – all of whom have parts to play in this grand adventure.

At the end, Silver Tongue was an enjoyable fantasy with a touch of steampunk elements. The story started out a bit slow but picked up the pace quick enough and was action-packed with exciting adventures and misadventures along the way. I did note a few errors and character confusion in one particular scene but these didn’t hinder my reading enjoyment, thus I would happily recommend this novel to you.

***

Изначально у меня было некоторое сомнение когда я получила запрос от Эвелин Инк написать рецензию на ее новою книгу - Сильвертонг (Красноречивая). Честно скажу, у меня немного предвзятое отношение к книгам в категории для подростков. Но что то в описании книги привлекло мое внимание, чему я очень рада, потому что прочитав Сильвертонг я была приятно удивлена. Силвертонг - в первую очередь фэнтези с элементами стимпанка, где Эвелин создала очень уникальный мир с интересными персонажами и захватывающими приключениями.

Главная героиня романа, пятнадцатилетняя Белин Волатрикс - девушка с характером. Ее родители собираются выдать ее замуж за принца, но у Белин на это свои планы. И чтобы избежать свою неминуемую помолвку, Белин решается сбежать из дома, но не тут то было. Она находит себя в плену, глубоко в шахтах Грендела, наряду с другими детьми. Теперь, с помощью других детей, Белин должна разузнать кто похитил их и какая тайна ждет их в давно забытых шахтах Грендела...

Белин интересная героиня, импульсивная и своевольная, храбрая и благородная в лице опасности. Ее смекалка и едкие комментарии добавили юмористический штрих к несколько мрачным событиям истории. И своим характером Белин напомнила мне Лиру Белэккуа из трилогии Темные Материалы Филипа Пуллмана.

В целом, прочтение Силвертонг оставило у меня приятные ощущения. Сама история началась немного медленно но быстро набрала темп. Честно скажу что я нашла несколько ошибок в тексте, но это не помешало мне насладится этим романом. Так что я с удовольствием рекомендую и вам этот роман.