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Summary: A Gulag of Misfits
Review: Obernewtyn is the first novel in the Obernewtyn series. Death fell from the skies during the Great White, leaving lingering radiation and chemical destruction over much of the land. During the Age of Chaos, those fortunate enough to live on untainted land ruthlessly slaughtered refugees who poured from the cities. Thereafter, mutations among men and beast were frequent, so the Council decreed that any who born with abnormalities were to be burned. The Herder Faction, a fledging religious order who worshipped Lud, were appointed to perform the burnings. Gradually the law and dogma fused to condemn all technology other than simple farm implements. Later the Herder Faction announced that some mental aberrations did not show at birth, but manifested later. These mutants were called Misfits.In this novel, Elspeth Gordie is a Misfit who has been raised in orphanages following the execution of her parents for Sedition. Now she and her brother, Jes, are residents of the Kinraide orphan home. Jes has just become a Herder assistant and wants to advance in the Herder Faction, but this career would be ruined if she is accused of being a Misfit. She cannot have any friends, due to the danger to herself and them, except Maruman, the mutant cat. Maruman has visions, once telling her that the mountains will call for her. Another time he confessed that a Guanette bird had told him that his destiny was twinned with hers. For the rest of the time he was haughty, conceited, full of opinions about everything. Maruman was instrumental in discovering the extent of her telepathic powers; one day she scared away a bird that Maruman was stalking and Maruman said a rude comment into her mind and she responded in kind. Every since then, she has been bonded with Maruman. Maruman predicted that a "darkOne" would come from the mountains seeking her. Elspeth knew the mountains meant Obernewtyn, the most remote work farm. An ancient institution in the Western Mountains, Obernewtyn accepted only the worst afflicted of the Misfits and those Misfits sent there were never heard of again. The Obernewtyn keeper arrived three days later. Madame Vega detects some small part of Elspeth's ability, but that is enough to send her to Obernewtyn. There she meets other Misfits, the working staff, and the supervising triumvirate: Alexi, Ariel, and Madame Vega. Later, she meets the nominal director, Doctor Seraphim. This post-apocalyptic novel is much like Norton's The Stars Are Ours in several respects, including theocratic restrictions by the government and underground resistance to those repressions. Moreover, there is the element of hope at the end. Subsequent volumes in this series further develop the mental powers aspect as well as the the role of the mutated animals. Recommended for Norton fans and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted novel of suspense and adventure in a SF setting.
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Summary: a woderful book
Review: Obernewtyn is the start of a fantstic series by Isobelle Carmody. The theme and setting of the book is original and thought provoking. The characters have depth about them and are not usually what they seem. Elspeth (the main character) does not reveal much about herself in this book, but she does when she is older in the following books.
If you like Obernewtyn you will love the next three books in the series. This is because the other books are better written as Isobelle Carmody stared writing this book when she was 14. However, it is a great start to a fantastic series. Please read it as it will change your life!
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Summary: SUPERB SERIES -- COULDN'T PUT DOWN EACH BOOK!
Review: This is an unusually well-written series, with unique characters and a fascinating story line. Isobelle Carmody is a gifted writer. I have read a lot of fantasy/scifi, and often the plots or aspects of the plot are similar from one book to another (find a portal, travel to another world/time, etc). This series is not only creatively different, it is thought-provoking. I could not put down each book in the series, reading late into the night (which I usually avoid doing). I will not recapitulate the plot here, because so many others have done so. I do want to contradict one of the reviewers that was cited on the cover of the second book of the series (Farseekers), who stated that the book was likely more appropriate for adolescent females. I am 45, and I have found this series to be one of my all-time favorites. Order your copy of Obernewtyn today, and set some time aside!
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