He doesn’t know that Elanna really does have magic in her – she just doesn’t know if she wants to wield it for Caeris or for Eren …Ĭallie Bates’ debut novel (the first in a trilogy) is a flawed and unsatisfying YA/crossover fantasy that incorporates interesting elements of Celtic mysticism and shades of the Jacobite risings but is hindered by an unconvincing political landscape, a main character with no grasp of courtly intrigue, unconvincing antagonists, a predictable and dull romance and magic that seems to exist for the convenience of the plot. Worse, he plans to make Elanna Caveadear (Steward) of Caeris, a role associated with sorcerers with the power to wake the land.

A gifted horticulturist, her only ambition is to go to Paladis in Ida to continue her studies.īut when Antoine is poisoned by a rare fungus that Elanna and her tutor have been studying, Elanna realises that Ruadan has planned another rebellion and discovers that he’s brought Fionnlach Dromahair from Ida to press his claim to the Caerisian throne. The rebellion failed and Antoine took Elanna hostage to guarantee Ruadan’s future obedience to the Crown.Įlanna’s grown up in Antoine’s court and despite the circumstances, she’s grown close to him and although taunted by Antoine’s daughter Loyce and Loyce’s favourite, Denis Falconier, Elanna views herself as more Eren than Caerisian.

When Lady Elanna Valtai was 5 years old, her father Ruadan (Duke of Caeris) rebelled against King Antoine (ruler of both Caeris and its neighbour Eren). I earn commission on any purchases made through these links. You can order THE WAKING LAND by Callie Bates from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or UK. Now she must decide which side she’s on, and whether she’ll use her powers for mercy … or revenge. He will tell his followers she is the legendary Wildegarde reborn, a sorceress who could make the very earth tremble.īut what no one knows is that magic really does flow through Elanna’s veins. He wants to reignite his rebellion, this time using Elanna as a figurehead.

Now twenty, Elanna is about to be taken prisoner once again … but this time by her father. Fourteen years spent being raised by the man who condemned her people to misery. Fourteen years since her father’s rebellion failed. It’s been fourteen years, since King Antoine took Elanna hostage.

The waking land series