Catling’s Bane by D. Wallace Peach

Book Reviews, Fantasy

So, this book wasn’t even on my radar until I read iArtichokeu’s post about it. You can read their expertly written review here.

I both love and hate them for writing such a good review that made me immediately pick up the book. The book is excellent, so that’s awesome. But this is the type of series where you sneak away for extra long breaks at work to read a few pages.  Or “sleep in” to read a little more before your day begins… so, sorry outside world, but you can blame my absence over the next week (because there’s no way I’m not binge reading this) on the author, D. Wallace Peach.

The book follows Catling as she grows up while living through a series of unfortunate events.  She learns that she has a special skill, that many are interested in her skill, and that just because someone is interested in your skill, doesn’t necessarily mean they are interested in you or your well-being.  There are so many intricate happenings, that I think trying to summarize the book overall would just take a long time without really touching on why you should read it.  As always, let’s start with a couple things I didn’t love:

  • There are large gaps where characters just drop off the radar.  Each person leads their own lives, so we have to focus on each of them individually unless they intersect.  I get that, but I selfishly wanted to check in with Whitt one more time before the book ended.
  • The book is slow.  I don’t actually count this as a “don’t love” item and more as an FYI.  Like Tolkien’s The Hobbit, if you’re not ready for the slow ground work of the first book to be set, maybe this isn’t for you… but, also like The Hobbit, you’re missing out if you skip it for that reason.

On to my favorite part, the stuff I love:

  • There is so much detail.  Because D. Wallace Peach takes her time outlining everything, you can really picture the world in which Catling lives.  The story flows so beautifully.  When characters cross paths, it makes sense and isn’t forced.  When they part ways, again, it makes sense with the larger story.
  • Catling.  Damn this girl is who I want to be when I grow up.  She’s so tough, and has had a lot happen to her, but she really “mans up” and takes charge the best way she can.  She doesn’t throw in the towel, but slowly learns to be confident with herself.  *Sigh*  What’s the girl version of bromance?
  • Those that help Catling.  I love that the story is so realistic that good deeds can be for selfish reasons.  It really creates such visceral tension about various characters.  You’re totally conflicted (as I’m certain Catling is) about whether they’re good, trustworthy, caring, etc.
  • The fact that there are more books.  Thank God I have more time with these characters and this world.

Long review, short: Read the book.  Now.

Ready to hear about the rest of the series, feel free to check out my thoughts here: Oathbreaker’s Guild, Farlander’s Law, Kari’s Reckoning

Published

20 thoughts on “Catling’s Bane by D. Wallace Peach”

  1. Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! You bring up good points. I know exactly how you feel about Whitt towards the end, haha. I felt it was a tease, and made me even more eager to read on tbh. I’m starting book two after one more read from my TBR list, and I’m so excited.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  2. Thank you so much for reading and for the review, Michelle. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it and… yes… you’ll see a lot more of Whitt. He starts sharing the story with Catling more and more as the books progress. Thanks again for your thoughtful insights. 🙂 You made my day!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Of course! I can’t wait to read the others. I’m not sure why, but I was thinking that the others weren’t out yet, so I was SO glad when I finished and could find the next right away. I swear it’s just a little soul crushing to not get to read on right away with a series that starts this well. Maybe I’m just a greedy reader. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Woops this was meant to be a reply to your other message. But this works too, hahaha. Blogging is fun, and probably even more fun… when I figure out how to respond correctly xD

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Pingback: Oathbreaker’s Guild by D. Wallace Peach – Reading Minds
  6. Pingback: On a Tuesday by Whitney G.  – Reading Minds
  7. Pingback: Farlander’s Law by D. Wallace Peach – Reading Minds

  8. Great review! As soon as I’m done with my current read, I think I might give this one a try–especially since the Kindle price is so low right now. Regrettably, my book budget is minuscule. Thank goodness for libraries! Otherwise I’d almost never get to read a new book! 😛

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Pingback: Kari’s Reckoning by D. Wallace Peach – Reading Minds
  10. Pingback: Author Q&A: Diana Wallace Peach – Reading Minds

  11. I’m even more intrigued now than I was before. I’ve been reading Diana’s work on her blog and think she’s amazing. It’s part of my plan to own at least one of her books. The budget is too tight right now, but soon I hope.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment