THE ILL-MADE MUTE
The Bitterbynde, Book 1
By Cecilia Dart-Thornton
Macmillan - January 2002
ISBN: 033390754X
Fantasy

Reviewed by: Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.com
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This novel begins with a fugitive who has no name, no memory, no voice and a scarred face. He works as a drudge in Isse Tower, home of some of the mightly Stormriders who sail the skies in their magical ships. Tired of the bullying, the fugitive sneaks on board one of these ships and stows away. He will make many friends - and some terrible enemies - as he searches for the truth about his identity and looks to find a cure for his scarring and muteness, for this is a world replete with wonders and dangers and where every place is haunted by strange, supernatural creatures.

Australian author Cecilia Dart-Thornton paints a vivid picture of a world populated by the creatures of Celtic folklore and at times their descriptions and encounters tend to hold up the story as a new goblin, waterhorse, brownie or other is encountered and dealt with on nearly every page, which becomes repetitive after a time. Yet there is a good, strong story running through this book and some appealing characters, and I, for one, am eager to read more about it all. There is a bright thread of romance running through the story and I felt that this is essentially a very female story. Engaging and enjoyable, this might appeal particularly to those readers who enjoy a fantasy setting but without the political and martial elements.