British Fantasy Society Review
Shaihen Heritage Book 1: Cloak of Magic
Review: www.fantasybookreview.co.uk
Shaihen Heritage Book 2: Staff of Power
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Readers Comments on Cloak of Magic
“… this is a book full of magical fantasy. It’s about two friends and how their lives change as they become of age…. Their loves, battles and adventures follow – everything a good book needs, sex, violence and intrigue. It’s a great read, sequel in progress, and I for one am looking forward to it.”
Liz Wade, Review for Around Kent Folk magazine. UK
"The book was brilliant. A wonderful trip into a fantasy world. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for Book 2...."
Mary Barr, Sussex UK
"The best SF/Fantasy I’ve read recently. (Except for Terry Pratchett.)"
Rob Whittle, Middlesex UK
"It’s terrific. Bits of it still rattle around in my head."
Hilary Bush, Suffolk UK
"I am really enjoying your book, but someone has stolen it from me and won’t give it back."
Cherie Hulland, Kent UK
“I was borne along by the narrative and the characters and felt as if I lived in that world with them.”
Sue Russell, Kent
“I don’t read fantasy. But by the end of the story I’d been hooked…”
Arthur Allwright, Kent
"..terrifically written….exciting , tender , magical , gritty….with excellent characters and a story that roars along in a richly imagined world."
Clive Scruton, Sussex (cover designer)
"Excellent read. Everything you would want: violence, intrigue, sex, romance and an overall good story." William Bebout, Kentucky
FANTASYBOOKREVIEW.CO.UK: Cloak of Magic is an impressive debut novel; a book of satisfying depth featuring characters worthy of empathy and a story that weaves and turns... FULL REVIEW
STEVEN SHAW: The Cloak of Magic is an immersive story that will have you hooked and turning pages. I am an avid reader of Sci/Fi and Fanstasy, and for every 1 book that has me hooked enough to get past 50, I put down 5-10 that just don't have the good story I am looking for. The Cloak of Magic is good, and you will read it and want more... FULL REVIEW...
FRED M.MCCASSEY: I recommend this book to people who never want to read fantasy and to those who are well-versed in the field. It's a wonderful read. It's a great book. FULL REVIEW
"PENELOPE NOTBOB" : I loved this book, not only does it absorb you into a fantastic world, it also comments on our world today.... FULL REVIEW
TREVOR ROWE: This fascinating journey into the dark ages of history in mythical lands has turned my opinion around about books in the fantasy genre. I almost believe that dragons and unicorns really existed! FULL REVIEW
JAMES MACLACHLAN: I HAD TO FINISH THE BOOK!!! Do not plan on doing anything else when you get about 3/4 of the way through. You may be able to break away, but it is painful. FULL REVIEW
JACQUELINE GUARINI: One of the better books I've read this year! For once, I am at a loss to find the words to describe just how good this book is. The back cover synopsis doesn't do this book justice. It is so much more than it appears to be at first glance. FULL REVIEW
JOHN SHERCK: Well worth reading--anxiously awaiting the next volume. Here in her first novel, Rule does a number of good things. The heart of much good fiction is its characters, and her characterization is pretty solid... FULL REVIEW
MARK COATES: “Cloak of Magic” is a solid, enjoyable read. While this book is certainly not destined for the bestsellers list, there is lots of potential here for the rest of the series that Rule is currently writing.... Like other examples of high quality low fantasy, “Cloak of Magic” would most appeal to someone who is leery of reading stereotypical “good-versus-evil” high/epic fantasy or lowbrow sword-and-sorcery fiction. FULL REVIEW
"DREAMSBANE" A sordid fantasy tale that plumbs the depths of the human spirit. This dark tale is unrelenting as a small kingdom faces danger and invasion from all sides. Kierce is no innocent Gandalf nice and benign... FULL REVIEW
"KRISTJAN" The Cloak of Magic is an entertaining story set in a world of where ‘paradise’ is swept up into the power struggles of a decadent empire against a surprisingly intractable rebellion. Not a bad setting as far as such goes; however.... FULL REVIEW
ERIN MACLACHLAN I really loved this book. It's just what I'm looking for as a college student. It was really interesting and entertaining... FULL REVIEW
JOHN TIMBERS This is a very different kettle of fish from the last – most of the same characters, plus strong additions – but by contrast this is a much more unsettling and powerful story. Well written, well edited and a story that grips you all the way, but with scenes that were so raw that one almost wondered if they came from the same pen/keyboard.
I look forward to the continuing story.
SUSAN POPE Fantasy fiction at its best. Strongly recommend readers buy book 1 'Cloak of Magic' before reading 'Staff of Power'. Together they make a compelling and powerful story. The cast of characters living in a land in turmoil are very real and display all the strengths and weaknesses of the human race. Wanting to know the outcome of each and every one of them will keep readers turning the pages.
JAMES MACLACHLAN Very well written, but a bit too realistic for me. The first quarter of the book was a bit bewildering & very depressing. Slowly, the people drag themselves out of the hole they'd dug in the first book. There are some very wild, but logical twists to the end. It follows along in the vein set by the first book & really should be read in order. While each book could stand alone, details from the first one, which Sue does not bore the reader with, are needed to really appreciate the situation & understand the complex cultures she's created.
The Shaihen Heritage series would not have seen the light of day without the enthusiasm and practical support of a number of people to whom I am eternally grateful.
Chief among them, of course, are the Rule family; and in particular Grant. Without his backing, the books would never have emerged from the cupboard. Go to www.measuresw.com for details of Grant's professional identity (and Sue's day job). www.pigs-sty.com for news of the Rule family folk group, Pig's Ear.
Thanks also due to Clive Scruton and Ben Scruton for two wonderful cover designs. You can find out more about Ben Scruton Illustration on www.benscruton.com and Clive on www.finman7.wordpress.com
In memory of Hilary, who left us too soon