Summary: This book is about the adventures of three companions named Raffi, Galen and Carys. The story is that their world, much different than our own has been thrown into darkness and disorder ever since the Keepers, wizards with magical powers were thrown out of power by the Watch, now the three of them are on the run from the Watch, and trying to get the Keepers back in action.
Review: This book was good and surprising to me in its unique in the other-worldly setting that was slightly like earth and yet so very different with multiple moons, monsters, magic, magical artifacts and other surprises that remind the reader that this does none take place on earth. The fight between good and evil is a popular theme for fantasy, and this one is no different as the Watch tries to keep the peace through lies and spies. ( )

Dark and dystopian, but wonderful. I couldn't put this down, and I can't wait to read the sequels. I was drawn immediately and intimately into the world of Galen and Raffi, then Carys and Sekoi. The Order, to which Galen and Raffi belong, reminded me of the Celtic Druids, with their prayers and faith in the natural world. Edge-of-the-seat pacing and characters to care about, a setting that comes alive - what more could one ask for? An incredible accomplishment. ( )

The Relic Master, by Catherine Fisher is a book that tells the opening story of Galen Harn, a relic master, Raffi, his apprentice, and Carys, an undercover spy. Galen and Raffi are searching for relics that will eventually lead them to a point where they will be able to communicate with the makers, ancient beings of great power. But the job is a lot more complicated then just calling them on a cell phone. Raffi and Galen have to dodge the Watch. The Watch is an organization that is dedicated to finding a killing Relic Masters, and hoarding the relics which they find. Raffi has the brunt of the job of watching out for the Watch because Galen lost his powers in an explosion. They are headed to Tasceron where they try to find the Crow, an ancient being of power who will help the makers return. Galen also hopes the Crow can restore his powers. On the way, then encounter Carys, a watch spy. As Carys travels with them, she realizes that maybe the Watch was wrong, maybe the Keepers and Makers are not at all what the Watch make them out to be. Finally at Tasceron, they find the Crow after several close encounters with the Watch.

After reading Incarceron and Sapphiqe, I expected this book to be another riveting read. Of course it was good, but not as interesting as I thought. Some of the characters were a disappointment to me, Galen especially. All he does in the book is whine and tell Raffi that he needs to work harder. I know he is the teacher but he could man up and act like he was proud of Raffi or something. On the other hand I loved Raffi and Carys. They both are fun loving and discover so much of themselves in this read. Overall this was an OK book, but could have been way better. ( )

Pages: 384
Release Date: May 17th, 2011 (First published August 6th, 1998)
Date Read: 2011, October 5th-12th
Received: Library
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended to: 12+

Summary -
Anara is a dark world. Deserted, or so it seems. The Makers have left, but their power still lives in the Keepers - or the few who are still alive. The Watch hunts them, tortures them, kills them. Galen Harn and his apprentice Raffi are two of the very few still-living Keepers. Galen has lost his powers as the result of a bad accident and will do anything to get them back.

When the ultimate mission arises, one that means risking everything, Raffi must learn the power of faith, as they are ever hunted, and as they draw nearer and nearer to the dark and abandoned Tasceron, the City of the Makers.

My thoughts -
I first discovered Relic Master in January of 2011, when I came to the end of Sapphique and saw it advertised. As I'd just finished wiping my tears over Sapphique and marveling in its raw beauty and power and awesomeness, I was absolutely thrilled to learn that I would soon read more by this incredible author.

Catherine Fisher did not disappoint. And while I found The Dark City wasn't nearly as perfect as Incarceron and Sapphique, I can't help but love what this book holds. The writing was just beautiful... It's like old fairy-tale type writing, or a legend or something, and still it has a modern ring to it. I mean, who can do that? It's her little niche, and I absolutely love it.

Character notes -
This story comes from the perspectives of Raffi and Carys, but I felt like the book was more about Galen. It was his quest, his missing powers, his faith, that drove the story. Raffi, a scared 16-year-old, is not exactly a 3D character. He came across as flat, which really bummed me out because her other characters are really well done. Carys was interesting. I liked the tension she brought - and I still don't know if she's good or bad, which intrigues me.

Shean, the Sekoi, and Galen were all extremely fascinating, each in his own way and to his own purpose.
While Shean had a small part, he really held my attention in that short time. The Sekoi was so weird but way cool to read about! They are some of the most original creatures I've ever read about.

And Galen...he may have been a grumpy, bitter old man, but I cared for him. He was so desperate, so sad without his powers. When half of you is gone, something you have cultivated for years and years, you would be crazy not to go after it. Galen's faith, even without his powers, was strong, his prayers spoken in diligence, knowing he would be saved.

Story notes -
The story line was the strongest aspect of this book. It was full of interesting cities (the world building is phenomenal; I think that's Fisher's biggest strength). I was sucked in, wanting to explore this world Anara, totally engrossed. And boy, did I get my wish. Everything is well-described, while still leaving room for the reader's imagination.

The history of this world, from Creation on, was so fascinating that I can't wait to learn more in the next book. It was very well developed, with no holes. The Makers and the Crow all interest me greatly. The twists and turns in the story kept me thinking even after it was over, especially the end.

The religious aspects of this story were perfect and compelling. I found it related to Christianity in many wonderful ways; I was very encouraged, again, by Galen's faith. The prayers (answered or not) and the power of the Relics (the Makers' power) added a beauty I was not expecting...and it made the story even better.

Summing it up -
Dreamy. The whole book felt like a dream, and I was floating through it, an unseen spectator. It was as strange and as beautiful as a dream, too. I'm so excited for the 2nd book! ( )

More of a juvenile/middle-school read than Incarceron - I found Relic Master to be interesting, but also a pretty cliched fantasy read. For older readers, especially those who've already read a lot of fantasy, it doesn't really offer anything new. Younger readers however may still enjoy this series. ( )