My first encounter with Mystic and Rider was over a decade ago, where it quickly landed amongst the ranks of my favorite books of all time. Enthralled with the story, I eagerly devoured everything by Sharon Shinn that I could get my hands on. Summers at Castle Auburn and The Shape-changer’s Wife are two of her other works that I also have fond memories of. Seeking to ring in the new year with a tried and true comfort read, Mystic and Rider seemed like an easy choice. So how did this childhood favorite stack up in 2023?
Mystic and Rider is a charming fantasy novel about a ragtag troupe tasked by the King of Gillengaria to travel throughout the kingdom and ‘take the temperature’ of the noble Twelve Houses. Together, the squad of mystics and riders must discern if there are any whispers of dissent or unrest lurking beneath the surface.
Our vivid cast of characters includes…
- Senneth– a tough and enigmatic mystic with a mysterious past. She possesses the unparalleled ability to harness the power of fire, bestowed upon her by the Bright Mother.
- Tayse– Amongst the fiercest of the King’s Riders, few can cross his path and live to tell the tale. He is the strong and silent type, vigilant with a secret soft spot.
- Justin– A plucky young Rider with an intense desire to prove himself, he deeply admires Tayse, is devoted to his mission and doesn’t let people in easily.
- Kirra– A diplomatic shapeshifter with unmatched beauty and elegance, she heralds from one of the noblest of the Twelve Houses- Danalustrous.
- Donnal– An aloof, half-feral shapeshifter and loyal protector of Kirra who seems to prefer animal form.
- Cammon– A ‘stray’ that the group picks up along the way, Cammon is just starting to explore his budding mystical powers. Warm-hearted and wholesome, he is especially attuned to others’ emotions.
This determined motley crew journeys throughout the realm and discovers threats to the King are reaching a boiling point- chiefly, an eerie religious zealotry that has poisoned the minds of the people and rising political upheaval that could place the royal succession in peril.
Re-reading Mystic and Rider is rife with the magic you feel when you’re reunited with an old friend. However, experiencing it again as an adult, I can’t confidently say that is still belongs on the shelf of my treasured favorites. The cast of characters were interesting and lovable, but the sheer quantity of them made it difficult to reach the level of familiarity and development that I yearn for. I was also disappointed that there was a surprising amount of tell rather than show, especially in the beginning when the story suffers from substantial info dumping.
While Mystic and Rider didn’t stand the test of time in the way that The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale did, ultimately it’s a satisfying read and I recommend it if you’re looking for a cozy fantasy escape. The world building is immersive and impressive, there are surprisingly humorous elements, a believable slow burn romance and startling twists that will keep you hooked throughout.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
You can grab your own copy of Mystic and Rider here.
