Curse of the Tahiera tells a story like no other. Wendy Gillissen tells us a tale of vast lands and incredible creatures to convey a  grand coming of age narrative.  While told against a backdrop fantastical surroundings,  it is one of loss and redemption, and one we all can relate to.

The main characters are given such description that Gillissen gives no room for second guessing. We are told of the journey of Rom and Yldich, and through each trail and tribulation we are left cheering for our hero. In scenes told of moments rapt with tension we are stolen away into the moment as Gillissen tells us of their angst, beauty and triumph.  Discribing the raw power of the moment Wendy Gillissen words fill us.

As Rom travels the countryside he is met by infamous characters that aid or impede his journey. You are told about each person with such in depth knowledge that even for these seemingly secondary individuals it is outstanding.

Imagery sets this story apart by her meticulous ability to inform us of each detail.  She has created a whole new world and through her disclosure of this saga, we are transported there. Set with in a land tense with the possibility of battle her depiction of the conflict sucks you in and evokes a rush after each heart pounding moment.  You are told in a way that you can feel the horses breath on the back of your neck as you stand at the front lines awaiting the command to charge.

Curse of the Tahiera will leave you wanting. I cannot say enough about the intense word art that Gillissen interjects into each chapter, and her world comes alive with each stroke of her pen. You are introduced to each blade of grass and leaf on the tree. You feel a kin to the clothing, as well as the stitching technique used to make each garment. Conveying the feel of the earth beneath your feet, the smell of the flora, the taste of the air, and the sounds of your foot hitting the ground. By the end of the story not only have you been to the heart of her land, you are a resident. 

Reviewed on 02/24/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Andrea Asay

Reviewed on 01/31/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Ann Hauer

Curse of the Tahiera is an elaborate and profound story which takes place in what we come to know is an alternate reality. It follows the character Rom, a young man despised for the Tzanatzi half of his heritage, as he journeys through the Northern forest. On the way, he meets Yldich, a wise Einache leader and healer, who teaches him about swordfighting and, more importantly, dream-walking. Through the Einache culture, Rom discovers a dark truth--about himself, and about his destiny.

This book takes a little while to get into, but once I got into it, I was hooked. The action scenes are shorter than I'm used to, which was nice. A writer doesn't need to incorporate huge, gory action scenes to get a reader excited. And Gillissen certainly does get us excited--there was a scene at the end which had me biting my nails the entire time. The character development is so-so, except in the case of Yldich. I was indifferent to him at first, but I really found myself warming to him as the story and his character progressed. One thing I can say for Gillissen--she gave a complex portrayal of the Tzanatzi-Einache war. The evil sorcerer didn't start out evil, and the Einache victims realistically committed atrocities themselves. The good and the evil in humanity are shades of grey. She leaves us with several thought-provoking messages, one of which has stuck with me even after I finished the book--when you fight, it's not truly your enemy you're fighting, it's death. Make peace with death, and you have nothing to fear. Na'Heach. Overall, I'd give this book four out of five stars, and I am eagerly awaiting a sequel.

Reviewed on 11/30/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Ruya Telhami